“I’m happy to be in the quarterfinal. I’m also happy for director Frankopan, as he was the one to give me the invitation, and for all these people who rooted for me, creating a wonderful atmosphere. It’s easier to play when there’s no pressure and when the other guy is the favorite.
He beat Simon and probably thought he would beat me as well, seeing as I don’t play many singles matches. I’m way down in the rankings but that doesn’t mean much in sports,” said the only remaining Croat in the singles competition.
This is Dodig’s first quarterfinal here after five attempts, and also his first quarterfinal on the ATP Tour since Munich last year. First seed David Goffin started his Umag campaign with a a win over Attila Balazs. It took maybe a bit longer than expected, but Belgian favourite fought off fierce resistance from Hungarian player
