Donna Vekic Launches 'Big 4 Project' for Grand Slam Courts in Osijek

OSIJEK, CROATIA – On July 14, 2025, Olympic silver medalist Donna Vekic unveiled a significant initiative aimed at promoting tennis in her hometown of Osijek, Croatia, by completing the 'Big 4 Project.' This project, which has been in development for four years, involves the construction of four tennis courts featuring surfaces identical to those used in the prestigious Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open. The project aims to provide local citizens with free access to these high-quality courts, essentially making Osijek the first city in the world to offer such an opportunity.

The project is a collaboration between Vekic, the City of Osijek, and the County of Osijek-Baranja. According to Vekic, “The fact that we have given children, young people, and adults the opportunity to play tennis completely free of charge makes me extremely proud. I hope that on one of these courts, a child will fall in love with this sport as I did.” Vekic's vision has garnered support from various local authorities, demonstrating a strong commitment to community development through sport.

The inauguration event was marked by exhibitions featuring tennis legends Martina Hingis, Mary Pierce, Iva Majoli, and Marion Bartoli, who played matches on the newly constructed courts. Hingis, a former World No. 1, commented, “Four different Grand Slam surfaces, available to children and the community, is an incredible achievement. I enjoyed every moment on court.” Similarly, Bartoli expressed her admiration for the project, stating, “The court quality, the energy of the crowd, and the commitment from the city and Vekic family all show the value placed on sport here.”

The courts have already attracted considerable interest, reportedly being booked 95 percent of the time since their opening. This high usage rate reflects the community's enthusiasm for the sport and the potential for nurturing local talent. The courts are located in various neighborhoods across Osijek, making them accessible to a broad range of residents.

In addition to the tennis facilities, Vekic has also contributed to the community by financing a sensory playground at the Ivan Stark Center for Education & Care, which benefits children with special educational needs. This initiative was funded through monetary awards she received for her Olympic achievements, demonstrating her commitment to giving back to her community.

The 'Big 4 Project' not only enhances local sporting infrastructure but also positions Osijek as a model for other cities looking to promote sports accessibility and community engagement. As Vekic noted, this initiative is a significant step towards fostering a love for tennis among the youth, potentially inspiring future champions from Croatia.

Looking ahead, the success of the 'Big 4 Project' may influence similar initiatives in other regions, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in sports and the role of local governments in facilitating such developments. With the global interest in tennis continuing to grow, Osijek's project could serve as a blueprint for enhancing sports facilities in various communities worldwide.