“With the confirmation of the participation of world number six Andrey Rublev, one of today's best young players Holger Rune, and the incredible Stan Wawrinka, a player who has marked the past 15 years of world tennis with his achievements, style, and personality, we have three players that any world tournament of our level would wish for. However, the strength of the 34th Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag lies in the high quality that we represent today. Five players among the world's top 30, twelve from the Top 50, and the two best players in the world under 19, Jakub Menšík and Dino Prižmić, guarantee that this year's tournament will again offer great tennis performances”, emphasised tournament director Tomislav Poljak.
Commenting on the sports aspect, Croatian tennis legend Goran Ivanišević stated: “Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag tells a new, great story every year. Sometimes we might not expect such a story, and then magic happens, like last year's emotional journey of Wawrinka to the finals. With this list of players, there will be no surprises in that regard, as this is probably the strongest lineup in recent years. Top matches are guaranteed, I can't wait for the tournament to start. See you soon in Umag.”
The tradition of the Umag tournament has long been recognised in the world of tennis, and is also a significant promoter of tourism. The organiser and main sponsor is Plava Laguna, and on this occasion, the President of its Management Board, Dragan Pujas, stated: “This year, Plava Laguna has further increased its investment in the tournament. This tournament is an example of how to hold an event at the highest possible level, and how we are a reliable partner and host of sports events. Secondly, by organising a tournament like this, we contribute at a high level to the development and promotion of the destination where we do our business, which is of utmost importance to us,” pointed out Mr Pujas, highlighting the promotional value of the tournament for Croatia as a destination.
And this year in Umag, we will see a number of great tennis players, who will be the reason why many tourists will visit Croatia, which will then win them over with its beauty and offer.
State Secretary Davor Pavić from the Ministry of Tourism and Sports pointed out: “We are extremely pleased to be a part of one of the oldest sporting events in Croatia, which plays a significant role in promoting Croatia as a tourist and sports destination. Over the course of ten days, Umag will become the sports and social centre of Croatia, offering a rich entertainment programme in addition to the sports events. The Croatian Government has quadrupled its investments in sports over the past eight years and will continue to invest in events that promote Croatia as a country of sports and tourism.”
Ivana Curić Čabraja, Director of Strategic Projects Division at the Croatian National Tourist Board, agreed and added: “In line with the reputation that ATP Croatia Open Umag enjoys globally, and considering that it is the oldest tennis tournament in our country, the Croatian National Tourist Board is proud to be a partner and friend of the tournament this year as well. We can say that our country is most recognised in the world for tourism and sports, and the Umag tournament is a perfect example of an event that, at the peak of the season, brings a competitive atmosphere, fan excitement, and additional promotion of the tourist offer of Umag, Istria, and Croatia as a whole,” she emphasised, adding that the tournament also proved that Croatia can be a quality host for the largest international sports events.
Umag has been the proud host of the ATP tournament since 1990 and at the same time a great supporter of the competition building a great tradition from season to season. “For 34 years, Umag has been the proud host of the globally recognised sports and entertainment event – Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag. Each year, Umag becomes more recognisable in the world of tennis and entertainment, thanks to the quality tennis and the rich gastronomic and entertainment programme offered to ATP visitors. But this tournament is not just about tennis, gastronomy, and entertainment. It is a brand with solid
foundations that transforms Umag into one of the most desirable tourist destinations, where every visitor feels part of that brand thanks to the efforts and contributions of all those involved in the organisation. I am proud to be the mayor of a town that, through the ATP and various other events, attracts an increasing number of visitors each year. All those who have had the opportunity to experience the charms of the ATP carry unique memories from Umag, which ultimately motivate their return,” concluded the Mayor of Umag, Vili Bassanese.
The company Infobip that provided the premises for the press conference will be a partner of the tournament this year as well. A chatbot was developed especially for the tournament, which covers all the informative aspects of the tournament, such as information about the players, the playing schedule, and details of the entertainment programme. Users can buy tickets, book accommodation, and even participate in an interactive quiz to win finals tickets and numerous other valuable prizes directly through the chatbot.
A Month of Tennis in Umag
This July in Umag will be entirely dedicated to tennis. Along with the central event, Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag, a new addition to the professional programme is the Umag ITF M15 competition, a part of the ITF World Tennis Tour, taking place from 6 to 14 July. This tournament will be an ideal opportunity for young and talented tennis players to win points required to make the ATP rankings. From 15 to 18 July, the Road to Umag powered by Podravka will continue, providing Croatian tennis players with a chance to win a wild card entry to the Umag tournament. This year will also feature the ITF wheelchair tennis tournament, the Umag Stars Open, the HEPi tournament, and the VIP tournament, which will bring together 600 recreational players in Umag.
Those who want to secure their spot at the Stella Maris spectacle, taking place from 19 to 27 July, can find tickets for the centre court on the official website, while the Grandstand court tickets can be purchased at the ATP shop.
