It’s the news tennis lovers across the country wanted to hear: Portugal Open, the country’s biggest tennis tournament, has been saved – for the next three years at least.
Confirming the news, Secretary of State for Sport Emídio Guerreiro told Público:
“I can’t say much, but what I can say is that the Open will continue to take place in Portugal during the usual time of year and without public money.”
Guerreiro did not reveal the identity of the new organiser(s) but said that many parties were interested in saving the Open, which has been held for the last 24 years at Oeiras’ clay tennis court complex, attracting scores of watchable top players.
The pledge follows an announcement made two weeks ago by the tournament’s long-time organiser João Lagos who said he no longer had the means to stage the Open.
Sports newspaper A Bola later reported that a joint bid for the rights had been made by Portuguese football magnate Jorge Mendes and his agency Gestifute, along with Dutch entrepreneur and former tennis player Benno van Geggel and German TV company U.COM.
As Guerreiro discussed the Open with Público, he also revealed that the famous Portugal Rally would stay in Portugal – as well as the WTC (World Touring Car Championships).
“Almost, almost, almost I can guarantee,” he told the paper.
Portugal Open "saved" from extinction for next three years
