site.btaOscar-Nominated Maria Bakalova Becomes Sofia Open Tennis Tournament Ambassador

The list of stars who have officially supported the Sofia Open tournament in men's tennis has been expanded to include Oscar nominee Maria Bakalova. She will be the ambassador of the seventh edition of the ATP 250 event, which will take place at Arena Armeec in the Bulgarian capital between September 25 and October 2.

The young actress has recorded a special video message, in which she says she was honoured to accept the role of ambassador of the Sofia Open. "I am really excited that so many talented international stars will be in our country to let us enjoy their matches," Bakalova says in the message, speaking in Bulgarian. "Matches of the highest level - and a time for the world to look to Sofia. Game, set, match. Sofia Open. It's tennis time."

The Sofia Open was launched in 2016, when it was won by Spain's Roberto Bautista Agut (highest world ranking: No. 9). In 2017 the winner was Bulgaria's Grigor Dimitrov (No. 3), who defeated David Goffin of Belgium (No. 7) in the final. In 2020 and 2021, the title went to Jannik Sinner of Italy (No. 9). In 2022, the Sofia Open has EUR 534,555 in prize money.

Maria Bakalova, 26, had her breakout when English actor and comedian Sacha Baron Cohen cast her to play his daughter in Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. The part earned her several accolades, including an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress in 2021. She has since joined the casts of major Hollywood films.