The 23rd edition of ATP Vegeta Croatia Open begins today. Even though it's starting somewhat earlier than usual this year, in between the tournament and the Olympics on Wimbledon grass along with three more ATP tournaments in the same week, it still attracts excellent tennis players all around the world, as well as many tennis lovers.

Until July 15, Umag will host the best Croatian tennis players, last year's title defender and two more previous champions. The extremely strong tournament in Umag guarantees four players that are ranked inside the TOP 25 on the ATP list. Croatian tennis at the 23. ATP Vegeta Croatia Open will be represented by its best players, because Marin Čilić, Ivo Karlović, Ivan Dodig and Antonio Veić will be playing. The current champion, Alexandr Dolgopolov will be defending his title. Fernando Verdasco from Spain, tournament champion from 2008 and currently ranked at number 16, is coming back to Umag, along with his compatriot, winner in 2010 and one of Umag's favorites, Juan Carlos Ferrero, who will be competing in Umag for the sixth time. Marcel Granollers, ranked at number 23 will also be playing. Last year's finalist, Potito Starace from Italy, his compatriot Fabio Fognini, Argentinian Carlos Berlocq and players from immediate tourist destinations, Slovenia, Germany etc. will be returning to Umag.

"The fact that many players who have previously achieved the best results in Umag return to play at the tournament again, is a confirmation that our immense effort invested into the organization and promotion of ATP Vegeta Croatia Open yields good results."  Said tournament director Vanja Božičković who commented on delivered tournament invitations. "We decided to give an invitation to one of our perspective young players Mate Pavić, who recently beat the 41. player in the world Robin Hasse and he played in the doubles finals of Zagreb Indoors while advancing 282 spots on the ATP rankings list since the beginning of the year. The remaining two invitations were handed out to young talented players: Aljaž Bedene from Slovenia (113. on the ATP list) and Andrey Kuzntesov from Russia (151. player on the ATP list). Along with being young and talented players, they are from countries where a large number of Umag's guests and tourists come from, so they can expect a strong support on the court." Due to exhaustion Richard Gasquet has cancelled his trip to Umag.

Picture from Umag on five continents

23. ATP Vegeta Croatia Open is of great importance for the promotion of Umag, Istria and Croatia all around the world. Match footage from Umag will be aired from 15 TV stations in 133 confirmed countries of the world on five continents, where a potential of 70 million households will have the opportunity to watch them, along with 700 million households that will get footage from Umag through leading global media houses, such as BBC World News, Eurosport, Al Jazeera, France 24 and Russia Today, along with China's market starting this year.

Along with excellent sport, Umag's tournament traditionally brings an abundance of good entertainment, that way the visitors will be able to enjoy in everyday concerts by leading local musicians like Oliver Dragojević, Ana Rucner and JINX, as well as international stars like Estelle and Freemasons.             

ATP Party Nights Umag Warm Up party begins tonight, with a concert of Umag's young musicians bolstered by a few recognizable names. Between the 150 ATP hostesses' a new Miss Hostess will be chosen in a pageant that attracts the attention of local and international media. Besides, the tournament's content is made of numerous different events such as Kids Week, where tennis players hang out with the youngest, as well as fashion shows named ATP Fashion.

A segment of great importance at the tournament is Istria Gourmet Festival which will be presented in four components, and it begins on July 6: Naša kužina which will be presented by some of the best local restaurants, everyday theme dinners by excellent wine makers and chef under the name Istria Gourmet Restaurant, a rich list of wine makers gathered and presented by Vinistra and this year's novelty, daily wine tastings Hidden charms of malvazija and teran, which will present the diversity and potential of authentic Istrian wine sorts.
In the following ten days along with Umag's tournament, there will be plenty of excitement on the sports courts, enjoyment with Istrian wines and delicacies, as well as great fun during the night hours.