The young stars of Bulgarian tennis Ivan Ivanov and Alexander Vasilev have become ambassadors of United Bulgarian Bank (UBB) and Mastercard.

The strategic partnership between UBB, Mastercard and two of Bulgaria’s most promising sports talents was officially announced just before Bulgaria’s historic Davis Cup World Group tie against Belgium, a semi-finalist in the most recent edition of the tournament. The UBB logo will be present on the sleeves of Ivanov and Vasilev’s jerseys.

UBB and Mastercard will support the 17-year-old Ivan Ivanov and 18-year-old Alexander Vasilev during a crucial stage of their breakthrough into men’s professional tennis. This partnership will enable the tennis players to compete in the maximum possible number of tournaments. Through it they will be given the opportunity to fully unlock their potential, affirm their positions in the world rankings and continue their ascent to the top of men’s tennis with peace of mind, and with the confidence and boldness they have already demonstrated. Ivanov and Vasilev’s entourage, UBB and Mastercard will build an even stronger connection between the two tennis stars and their fans.

“The support of United Bulgarian Bank’ for the young Bulgarian tennis players Ivan Ivanov and Alexander Vassilev stems from our firm belief that real progress starts with the quiet, courageous decision to act - the very spirit behind our “YOU CAN” platform. We see these athletes not as celebrities, but as proof of potential in motion: disciplined and authentic young people who keep going forward regardless of doubt and external pressure. Their stories embody a self‑belief that overcomes resistance, which is exactly the kind of determination we want to stand behind.

I am convinced that the inspiring partnership with them will bring us closer to the "YOU CAN" goal being recognized as a true and fully achievable message in the lives of our customers and of the entire Bulgarian society.

We wish Ivan Ivanov and Alexander Vasilev success with the Bulgarian national team in the upcoming important Davis Cup tie. We believe in their future success in men’s tennis worldwide. We are certain that they live and breathe by the “YOU CAN’ slogan. We are confident that they will serve as role models for average Bulgarians to also say "I can” to themselves", commented Christof De Mil, CEO of UBB and Country Manager of KBC Group in Bulgaria.

"We are proud that Ivan Ivanov and Alexander Vasilev are now Mastercard ambassadors, but they actually are ambassadors of Bulgaria. They are part of this country’s image, one deserving support and that we want to proudly showcase to the world. It is our shared responsibility to build a better environment in which Bulgarian talents to thrive, and also the entire society to move forward. Given that, Ivan and Alexander are role models worth following. Their discipline and all the qualities they possess undoubtedly result from having the right setting around them, but they are also role models whose example could further improve our own environment.

This partnership is based on the long-standing commitment of Mastercard for creating innovative, inclusive and priceless experience, bonding fans and athletes, thus bringing them closer to the most emblematic moments in sports. Our global tennis sponsorship portfolio involves partnerships with Roland Garros, Australian Open and Billie Jean King Cup. I wish Bulgaria success in the Davis Cup match. And my personal wish to Ivan and Alexander - may the path they have chosen take them to the place they want to be, and may they get all they aspire, pursue and fight for with such perseverance", said Vanya Manova, Country Manager of Mastercard for Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Albania and Kosovo.

"It is my pleasure to be an ambassador of United Bulgarian Bank and Mastercard and to have the support of such partners as I pursue my goals. Having such a strong team behind me allows me to focus entirely on my performance on court. The outstanding reputation of UBB and Mastercard gives me even greater confidence and motivates me to represent them at the highest level - both on and off the court. I am happy that through our joint initiatives we will have the opportunity to inspire young people and to promote the values of hard work, focus, and sportsmanship. I am looking forward to the special events that will be dedicated directly to motivating young people and creating positive experience for sports fans. I am excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring", said Ivan Ivanov.

"It is an honour to be an ambassador of United Bulgarian Bank and Mastercard - leaders in their respective fields at a global level, which is exactly what I strive for in my own career. Their support is especially important to me, as it allows me to fully focus on training and tournaments. But beyond the financial support, apart from the assistance with all the travels and participation in tournaments, I am already impressed with the combination of professionalism and genuine human approach. Thank you for finding in us examples of your mission to inspire people to unleash their full potential, while also helping us realize ours. I am happy to be once again on a team with Ivan - both here and in the National Team of Bulgaria. And I believe that together with UBB and Mastercard we can score many victories, including such in inspiring people across Bulgaria", said Alexander Vasilev.

The past year has been extremely successful for both players, who also contested in a historic all-Bulgarian final at the US Open.

Ivan Ivanov won two Grand Slam titles - Wimbledon and the US Open and also reached the semi-finals at Roland Garros. The Varna-born player, who trains at the Rafa Nadal Academy, was named ITF World Junior Champion for 2025. For the first time, a Bulgarian has become world No. 1 in this category.

Alexander Vasilev recorded impressive progress, reflected in his results at all four Grand Slam tournaments: reaching the round of 16 at the Australian Open, the quarter-finals at Roland Garros, the semi-finals at Wimbledon, and the final at the US Open. In September, the Sofia-born player climbed to world No. 2 in the junior rankings.

Alexander Vasilev played a key role in Bulgaria’s Davis Cup victory over Finland, and together with Ivan Ivanov, the two are ready to continue doing their best and beyond for the national team, while also progressing toward the elite level of men’s professional tennis.

UBB invests in sports as part of its long-term strategy to promote an active lifestyle, support young talents, and develop Bulgaria’s sports culture. Through partnerships and initiatives, the bank contributes to the popularization of sports and the creation of opportunities for training and sporting activities. These investments aim not only to encourage sporting excellence, but to also build sustainable communities, healthy habits, and positive role models for the generations to come. In tennis specifically, UBB has been a long-standing partner of the National Tennis Center in Sofia and has already organized six editions of the largest amateur tennis tournament for men’s and mixed doubles in Bulgaria.

UBB is also General Sponsor of the Bulgarian national tennis team for the Davis Cup tournament.