In one of the best finals in Umag over the past decade or so, the spectators were able to enjoy nearly two sets of fantastic tennis, filled with attractive points, drop shots and brilliant moves. The Hungarian was more successful at the start of the match, leading 5-3 in the first set; however, after Balazs had squandered his lead in the first set, Lajović turned things around and took the lead with 7-5, 4-1. Balazs then returned to the match with another break, but the furious rhythm of his seventh match in eight days in Umag finally took their toll.
“Even my best tennis wasn’t good enough for me to win here tonight. I would like to congratulate Dušan on playing a really great final match,” said the Hungarian tennis player, adding that he would most certainly return to the tournament.
After being defeated in the final of the Masters 1000 tournament in Monte Carlo in April, this member of the Serbia Davis Cup team finally claimed his career-first ATP title. Thanks to this particular achievement, he will rise ten places in the ATP Rankings, to No. 26.
Tickets to the singles final of the tournament in Umag were in high demand. Over the ten days of the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag, Stella Maris had been visited by more than 100,000 people from around the world. Croatia’s President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović said the tournament was yet another indicator that sports in general attracted guests and that tourists nowadays were not satisfied with just the sun and the sea. “I am extremely pleased that the number of guests and number of overnight stays are going up in Umag as well, partly even because of this tournament,” concluded Croatia’s head of state.
Veralda Winery wins ATP Wine of the Year Award
Over the past ten days, the visitors to the tournament have been able to enjoy not just the fantastic tennis and interesting exhibition matches, but also its excellent party program and varied culinary offer. As is the tradition, just before the start of the singles final, the ATP Wine of the Year Award was presented. This time, it went to the Veralda Winery from Brtonigla for their rosé made from teran grapes. The winning trophy was presented by President Grabar Kitarović, who used the occasion to congratulate the owner of the winery, Luciano Visintin, on that fantastic recognition.
The anniversary, 30th edition of the tournament ended with the song titled What a Wonderful World, performed by Goran Griff. Everything culminated in a spectacular fireworks display, which decorated the sky in Umag and provided everyone there with an unforgettable experience.
Playing in front of a packed stadium in Umag, Dušan Lajović lifted the winning trophy as the champion of the 30th edition of the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag. Defeating the Hungarian qualifier Attila Balazs 7-5, 7-5, Lajović won his career-first ATP title.
“I have been coming to Umag for twelve years now, and I have competed in both junior tournaments and the ATP tournament seven or eight times. This is one of the best ATP Tour 250 tournaments and I could not be happier with the fact that I have claimed my very first title here,” said the 29-year-old Serbian.
The winning trophy was presented to Lajović by the President of the Republic of Croatia, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarović, who followed the final match in the company of her husband Jakov. Moreover, President of the Management Board of Plava Laguna, Neven Staver, gave Lajović the check for his prize money.
