I would love to play the Umag finals against my fellow citizen Ivan Dodig, but it would be great to see any Croatian players in the finals, said Marin Čilić in the eve of 22. ATP Studena Croatia Open held in Umag from 21. until 31 of July. Čilić is returning to Umag after for years and expects a very good performance "I'm very glad to be able to compete alongside with all of the best Croatian tennis players. I expect a big crowd and an overwhelming support for all our players. I hope that I will contribute with my excellent games as well", said Čilić.

He especially appreciates the relaxed and pleasant atmosphere in Umag compared to several other tournaments. The vicinity of the sea and a rich entertainment program ensure a pleasant atmosphere, but the first priority is to have excellent tennis played at the tournament. The favorites to win in Umag according to Čilić are Juan Carlos Ferrero, Tommy Robredo and Juan Ignacio Chela. Alexandr Dolgopolov, a young Ukrainian star is also present, but he doesn't forget Ivan Ljubičić. All of our Croatian players can play their best games on the home court, which was proven in the past in Zagreb. I would be great to finally see a Croatian player in the Umag finals, after a long time", said Čilić.

The reputation of Umag's tournament in the tennis world is very good, confirmed Čilić. Many Spanish people arrive every year, mainly because of Carlos Moya that has contributed much to Umag's popularization. "Everyone loves coming to Umag to see how beautiful Croatia is. I believe that a tournament such as this is an ideal marketing move, it attracts the audience to the stands, and tennis is broadcast on television during the whole week, which contributes to the popularization of the sport", said Čilić.

Although his results in the first half of the year weren't according to his expectations, Čilić believes that Umag will be a spring board for a more successful second part of the season.

ATP Studena Croatia Open has a reputation to be one of the most interesting professional male tournaments in Europe in the ATP World Tour 250. The Awards of Excellence given to Umag's tournament on several occasions confirm that reputation. Umag's tournament is traditionally visited by over 70.000 guests, which makes it an unavoidable summer center for tennis, beauty, entertainment, socializing and enjoyment of Istrian tastes and smells. The arrival of world's tennis elite has an exceptional importance for the development of tennis in Croatia, but also for the tourist offering in Croatia as well as the promotion of Umag, Istria and Croatia in the world. The TV broadcast of the 2010 tournament went into 37 countries of Central and South America, Europe and Asia that took over 130 hours of national and international TV broadcast.