The 23rd edition of the Umag-based ATP Vegeta Croatia Open
attracted more than 80,000 visitors, while the final match at the
Stella Maris tennis center drew 15.000 people alone. The tournament
took place in the period between July 5 and 15 of this year, under
the auspices of the Croatian head of state. After 22 long years it
was once again won by a local boy, Croatia's best tennis player
Marin Čilić. The event's top quality was evident
in the fact that the first four seeds played in the semifinal
matches: Marin Čilić played against Alexandr Dolgopolov, and
Fernando Verdasco against Marcel Granollers.
The eleven-day tournament boasted top-quality tennis, exciting
music program and rich gastronomic offer, daily. This year's draw
featured four TOP 25 ATP players and three former tournament
winners - Fernando Verdasco (2008), Juan Carlos Ferrero (2010) and
Alexandr Dolgopolov (2011). Furthermore, Umag's ATP Party
Nights had prepared a 100-hour music program, featuring
both Croatian and international music stars, from Oliver and
Gibonni to Grammy Award-winning singer Estelle. At the same time,
Istria Gourmet Festival showcased wine tastings
titled Hidden Charms of Malvasia and Teran, along with the
traditional events Our Cuisine, Istria Gourmet Restaurant and
Vinistra.
