Tennis in Otočec

The elegance of movement and focused energy in all seasons

Tennis is more than a sport. It’s a game that combines movement and elegance, concentration and relaxation, competitiveness and companionship. Research shows that regular tennis playing contributes to longevity, as it brings together aerobic exercise, quick thinking, coordination, and social interaction. It’s no coincidence that many tennis players maintain a youthful stride, vitality, and a curious outlook on life and the world even in their mature years.

“Every shot in tennis is like the rhythm of the heart – it requires focus, strength, and joy in the game.”

In Otočec, tennis is played in a truly unique setting – by the Šport Hotel, near the Krka River, the forest, the Castle Garden, and the fairytale-like castle on the island. There are six outdoor clay courts, illuminated for evening play, and three modern indoor courts that ensure the love of the game never fades, even when the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop. Autumn in Otočec is therefore the perfect season for tennis enthusiasts, who can enjoy the fresh outdoor air or the warmth of the indoor courts – treating themselves to an hour of energy and joy with a racket in hand at any time.

Did you know?

The characteristic red-orange surface is called a clay court. In reality, it’s not made of clay, but of crushed brick, shale, or stone, which gives the court its distinctive reddish color. The advantage of this surface is that it’s softer and therefore easier on the joints. Since play is slower, it also requires greater tactical endurance.

At Otočec, all outdoor courts are clay courts, while the indoor ones have a hard, synthetic surface suitable for all seasons, allowing for faster play.

Tennis is a sport for all generations.

Children develop agility, quick reactions, and joy for the game, adults find a challenge and relaxation in it, and for older people, it is an excellent way to maintain fitness and social interaction. Playing on clay (sand) courts is gentle on the joints, racket strokes train coordination and memory, and tennis also offers something invaluable – precious time spent with friends, family, or business partners, often accompanied by relaxed conversations and joy in achievements.

Otočec has a long tennis tradition

For more than two decades, international tournaments have been held in Otočec, including a women’s tournament under the auspices of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) – proof that this place holds a special position on Europe’s tennis map. At the end of May this year, Otočec hosted the international professional women’s tennis tournament ITF Krka Open, with a prize fund of 50,000 USD, attracting many top players and sports enthusiasts.

On the island’s courts, young talents from the Krka Otočec Tennis Club, as well as recreational players who play purely for joy, have been training regularly for years.

Did you know?

Tennis was once called the “white sport” – because players used to wear only pure white clothing. This was the standard on all courts, especially in Great Britain and at tournaments like Wimbledon. The expression highlights the elegance and prestige of the game; since white clothing is no longer mandatory, the term is now used mainly in historical or literary contexts.

When the tennis match ends …

… Otočec offers many other ways to relax and enjoy yourself: unwind with a sauna session or a swim in the thermal pool at Hotel Šport, take a stroll along the Krka River, or indulge in a culinary experience at the restaurant of Hotel Grad Otočec.
Autumn can (once again) remind you how lively, energetic, and elegant tennis truly is. And perhaps right here in Otočec, you’ll feel that it’s true: movement is life – and tennis is one of the most beautiful ways to live it fully.

Andrej Zidarič