Toni Androić, one of three Croatian internationals, is playing his debut match today in Umag's main draw. He received an invitation to the main event and will try to justify it against the 53th player in the world, the Portuguese Joao Sousa.
Androić - 363rd ATP ranked player - will challenge Sousa the first time ever. Both players actually prefer to play on clay. Tony did not prepare himself specially, but the last couple of days he had been training in Umag with sparring players who are higher ranked than him.
"I will try to win and justify the invitation. Sousa is a dangerous opponent. He has a good service and forehand. He is playing aggressive and is going after each point, so I will have to impose my game onto him and try to play so that as much possible depends on my game. Clay is my favorite surface, so I think that in the end all should be well".
Toni is also sentimentally connected with Umag. From being a ball boy when he was younger, he now has the opportunity to be just like one of the idols to some younger players.
"I love this tournament and I am every year in Umag. The tournament has a soul and brings back childhood memories. I have experienced a lot of nice things in this city and therefore it will always be one of my favorites".
