During the first 25 years Of Umag ATP tournament there have been a lot of giants of world tennis but noone has left such a deep impression as Spaniard Carlos Moya who deserves bearing the title ''King of Umag'' and honorary citizen of the City of Umag. Therefore his return to Umag ATP stadium, this time in an exhibition match with Magnus Norman, will be one of the most emotional moments of 26th tournament edition.
Moya played 15 years in a row in Umag, and apart from winning five titles he played finals in 2005.
''The atmosphere here is special, people see me as home player. On many occasssions Umag helped me and I helped Umag. I am hoping for 20th tournament'', said Moya in 2008 when was the last time he played in Umag. At that time he was stopped in quarter-final match by Fabio Fognini who played better and who is yet another player who can thank Umag for playing a huge role in his tennis career.
Carlos Moya became professional in 1995 when with a wild card he played in Umag for the very first time. Although he lost the first round from his fellow-citizen Albert Berasategui it was clear that he owned a great talent, which he proved the following year in final match winning another Spaniard Felix Mantilla. Four years later, when Moya was at the peak of his career, he overthrew the great Pete Sampras and became the first Spaniard at the top of ATP ranking.
Although he did not manage to make 20 appearances at Croatia Open - his leg injury prenvented him, due to which he ended his career in 2010 - Moya stayed in hearts of thousands of tennis fans who will gather this July in Umag. They have been waiting for him the whole seven years - but Carlos Moya was worth waiting for.
