Tennis in White at Visoko Manor Revives the Spirit of 19th-Century Tennis

On Saturday, June 6, 2026, at 11 a.m., the sports and social event “5th Tennis in White” will take place on the grass tennis court next to Visoko Manor (Dvorec Visoko) in the Poljanska dolina Valley. The event combines sport, history, and tradition, reviving the spirit of classic tennis from the late 19th century.

Visoko Manor is one of the most recognizable landmarks of the Poljanska dolina Valley

In this characteristic rural Baroque manor, writer Ivan Tavčar created some of his finest literary works, describing life on the estate and its former owners in the novel ”Visoška kronika”. The history of the manor dates back to the 13th century, and over time it gradually developed into its present form. 

From the mid-17th century onward, it was owned by the Kalan family, and in 1893 it was purchased from their descendants by Ivan Tavčar, who arranged the surroundings following the example of German manors. Today, the manor is considered one of the most important examples of the development of rural architecture in Slovenia.

Visoko Manor in the Poljane Valley, home of Ivan Tavčar and the site of Slovenia’s first grass tennis court.

The estate is also connected to an important chapter in tennis history

In 1897, Dr. Ivan Tavčar built the first grass tennis court in Slovenia next to the manor. This very tradition is the inspiration behind the Tennis in White event, which is being held for the fifth time this year.

The beginnings of Tennis in White date back to 2017, when, during the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the first tennis court in Slovenia, the idea emerged at Visoko Manor to revive the tennis tradition at Visoko. The initiative was created by members of the local tennis club Gorenja vas, operating within the sports association Partizan Gorenja vas, who wished to connect the area’s sporting heritage with the unique setting of Visoko Manor during the anniversary celebrations. With the support of the municipality and Mayor Milan Čadež, the grass court next to the manor was restored. Today, it is one of the few public natural grass tennis courts in Slovenia and an important symbol of the beginnings of tennis in the country.

The first event already demonstrated that Tennis in White is not merely a sports tournament, but a true experience of another era. Participants competed in traditional white attire, with ladies wearing long skirts and hats, and gentlemen dressed in elegant shirts with bow ties and long trousers. Matches were played with wooden rackets according to rules and customs emphasizing respect, elegance, and sportsmanship. In addition to local players, guests from friendly towns and partner clubs also attended the event, while many visitors enjoyed the attractive grass-court play and the special atmosphere rarely seen at sporting events today.

Over the years, Tennis in White has grown into a recognizable sports and social event of the Poljanska dolina Valley, bringing together tennis, cultural heritage, and pleasant socializing. The essence of the event remains a tribute to the history of Slovenia’s first grass tennis court and the preservation of the elegance and traditions of tennis from a time when the sport symbolized social interaction, respect, and refined competitive spirit.

Over the years, Tennis in White has grown into a well-recognized sporting and social event in the Poljane Valley.

Local tennis enthusiasts will compete in the tournament

The competition will be played in doubles format and is intended for adult non-registered players. A special feature of the event is also the playing surface, as the court at Visoko is one of only two natural grass tennis courts in Slovenia. The event therefore offers a rare opportunity to watch and experience grass-court tennis similar to that played at the world’s greatest tournaments.

Participants will compete in traditional white clothing and with wooden rackets, creating a unique atmosphere that transports visitors back to the golden age of tennis. At the Tennis in White tournament, not only sporting success is evaluated, but also the appearance and behavior of the players. Special emphasis is placed on elegance, respect, and consideration toward women. Awards are presented for the best-dressed lady, the best-dressed gentleman, and the greatest gentleman on the court. Naturally, playing performance and the results achieved by the doubles teams are also evaluated.

The Tennis in White event therefore combines sport, heritage, and pleasant socializing in the unique setting of Visoko Manor.