SOFIA, October 26, 2016

Garanti Koza Sofia Open announced Wednesday the participation of defending champion Roberto Bautista Agut in the second edition of the tournament. In addition, last year’s runner-up, Viktor Troicki, will also return. This follows on from Tuesday’s announcement that top 10 player, Dominic Thiem, and Bulgaria’s star, Grigor Dimitrov, are also set to play.

Bautista Agut, currently ranked 14 in the world, has won two ATP titles this season, in Auckland as well as Sofia, and had a strong run to the final of the ATP 1000 in Shanghai only a week ago, where he beat Jo-Wilfred Tsonga and, most impressively, world number one Novak Djokovic in the semi final. A member of the Spanish armada of talent, Bautista Agut is one of the most versatile players on the Tour, boasting titles on grass and on clay, and indoors as well as outdoors.

Serbian Troicki returns to Sofia after another strong year, in which he defended his Sydney title from match point down against Bulgaria’s Grigor Dimitrov. A former world #12, Troicki is currently ranked 28, a Grand Slam seeded position.

“It’s great to welcome back both of last year’s finalists,” said Tournament Director, Paul McNamee. “The commitment of Bautista Agut now gives us three top 20 players, and Troicki adds to the class of the field. Their commitment to come back is a real endorsement of Sofia as a stop on the Tour, and our plans for the tournament to remain here well into the future.”

The ‘hot ticket’ for the biggest sporting event in Sofia goes on sale at Eventim on Wednesday, October 26th, with prices starting from 10 leva. Children and pensioners can access a 50% discount during the first five days and a 25% discount for the rest of the tournament as well as for weekly tickets. Spectators can also save up to 160 leva by buying a weekly ticket.