site.btaSports Minister Discusses Sofia Open 2023 with Heads of Bulgarian, Israeli Tennis Federations

Minister of Youth and Sports Dimitar Iliev Tuesday discussed the organization of ATP 250 Sofia Open with Bulgarian Tennis Federation head Stefan Tsvetkov and Israel Tennis Association President Avi Peretz, the Ministry said in a press release. Sofia is hosting the eight edition of the tennis tournament from November 7 to 14.

Peretz gave a high mark to the Bulgarian Tennis Federation, which managed to handle the organization of Sofia Open 2023 in a matter of days. The tournament from the ATP 250 series was supposed to take place in Tel Aviv, but the events in the Gaza Strip since Hamas' terrorist attack of October 7 led to Sofia becoming host city.

Iliev expressed full support and compassion for the State of Israel and the Israeli people. He expressed the hope that very soon, the war will give way to peace and the situation in the region will become normal. The Minister praised the Bulgarian headquarters' efforts in organizing Sofia Open. "The Bulgarian audience deserves a tournament of such a rank, and we are all happy that Sofia has welcomed such notable tennis players," Iliev said.

Tsvetkov thanked the Sports Ministry's team for supporting the organization of Sofia Open, thus making the tournament happen.

The meeting was also attended by ATP Executive Vice Presidents Miro Bratoev and Geoffroy Bourbon as well Sofia Open 2023 Tournament Director Orlin Stanoychev.