Dear friends of tennis,
I'm really glad that we, me and my colleagues in the EMPIRE Tennis Centre, can offer already the 7th edition of the International Women's Championship EMPIRE Slovak Open 2015 to Trnavian and Slovak fans
Over the past six years of the tournament, we could see the obvious gradual development. Besides the raise of the prize money up to 100 000 USD, a very important step was made: the tournament date moved to the particularly attractive time of the clay court season. In the future, we would like to present the town of Trnava as the metropolis of the clay women's tennis in Slovakia. Two weeks before the top clay court season on the courts of Roland Garros in Paris, we would welcome great Slovak and world players.
Our big dream was fulfilled in 2014 when Anna Karolína Schmiedlová won the singles title in Trnava. Great final against the defending champion from 2013, Barbora Strycova, was nice feast for Trnava and Slovak fans. Both players, who are now in the Top 50 WTA rankings, have definitely become the important part of the history of the tournament.
I want to thank warmly to Anna Karolína Schmiedlová, who once again honored us by her participation. I'm convinced that in Trnava, all the Slovak fans will create a comfortable home environment for her. At the same time, I'm looking forward to Jana Čepelová and the talented Slovak junior players Kristína Schmiedlová and Tereza Mihalíková.
The total prize money of the event is 100 000 USD. It has been raised up especially due to the last year's major interest of fans and the victory of the Slovak player. I'm grateful to the tournament partners who have supported us and made it possible to organize the biggest clay tournament in Slovakia. My heartfelt thanks also goes to the great people I have around me in the EMPIRE Tennis Centre. Without them, this event would never have taken place.
EMPIRE Slovak Open 2015 has a fantastic main draw. Nine players from the Top 100 WTA rankings and great participation of Slovak players are the most extraordinary attractions of this tournament. Therefore, I would like to invite all fans of this beautiful sport to Trnava for the world tennis.
Welcome to the EMPIRE Tennis Centre and at the EMPIRE Slovak Open 2015 tournament!
Miroslav Hlavna, the tournament director