As a reminder, the summer edition of the UTR PTT Umag got underway last Sunday at the courts of the Stella Maris Tennis Center, with players and organizers facing the challenge of the heatwave that swept across Europe throughout the week.
Despite the conditions, the tournament delivered plenty of exciting tennis, with local player Deni Zmak attracting the most attention through his performances. After being pushed to the limit by Britain's Henry Best in his opening match, which lasted more than three hours (7-6, 3-6, 7-5), Zmak did not drop a single set for the remainder of the tournament, winning six consecutive matches. In doing so, the Croatian repeated his success from March, when he also lifted the UTR PTT title.
His opponent in the final was Paris Pouatcha, a 20-year-old student-athlete from the University of California, who had also enjoyed a flawless run before facing Zmak. In the final, the left-handed American produced some impressive tennis and put up solid resistance, but he was no match for an inspired Zmak, who claimed the title in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
Following another successful edition of this unique tournament format, the "Month of Tennis" at the Stella Maris Tennis Center continues with the ITF M15 tournament. Qualifying begins on Sunday, June 28, while the tournament concludes on Saturday, July 5, serving as the final dress rehearsal ahead of the upcoming Plava Laguna Croatia Open.
