Monfils and Ćorić to return to Umag, Fognini to defend his title
Gael Monfils is the first of the three stars of this year’s tournament in Umag. Last year, the Frenchman, who is currently ranked 16th on the ATP World Tour rankings, had the best season ever, climbing to seventh place in the ATP rankings and appearing for the first time at the ATP World Tour Finals in London. Just before London, he even got to his career-best number 6 in the world. Even though they are quite impressive, these figures will never be able to do justice to the splendor of Gael’s tennis skills. In 2013 and 2015, at Umag’s Stella Maris, the most exciting player on the ATP Tour showed just how big of an attraction for the spectators he really is. This time around, he is bound to once again provide a true sporting spectacle.
The same goes for the title defender. With nine consecutive appearances in Umag under his belt, Fabio Fognini has become one of Umag’s trademarks, and this year, he is once again playing incredible tennis. The semifinal of the Masters 1000 in Miami, the unbelievable resistance he put up to the incredible Nadal in Madrid, and the good-quality tennis that he showed at Roland Garros, are all guarantees that he will be competing for the title this year as well.
The third title contender is a homegrown trump card. On a number of occasions, Borna Ćorić has said that Umag is his favorite tournament on the calendar. This year, he will be especially motivated to repeat his success from Marrakesh, where in April he won his first ever ATP title. Apart from taking the title in Morocco, Borna played in the quarterfinal of the Masters 1000 in Madrid, and rather convincingly defeated world number one Andy Murray.
Alongside the three stars of the tournament, the spectators in Umag will be thrilled to see many other great tennis players, including former world number 6 Gilles Simon, the unpredictable Benoit Paire, Philipp Kohlschreiber, Aljaž Bedene, Paolo Lorenzi, Martin Kližan, Jiri Vesely and a number of other players who are already a familiar sight in Umag.
Apart from Ćorić, Croatia’s colors will be defended by Ivan Dodig and Franko Škugor, who earned the first two invitations to this year’s main draw. This year, Škugor defeated Pablo Carreño Busta in a Davis Cup match and Tommy Robredo in Geneva, while Dodig is a former top-30 player who has been gradually saying goodbye to the singles competition. Dodig and Škugor will also play in the doubles, and in Davis Cup, they demonstrated that together they could beat even the best in the world.
Sensational exhibition matches become Umag tournament’s trademark
Alongside the competition portion of the tournament, this year, the spectators in Umag can look forward to two sensational exhibition matches. On Saturday, they will be able to enjoy watching the biggest stars of the tournament, Gael Monfils, Borna Ćorić and others, with a little help from Goran Ivanišević. Following a fun format, they will play a doubles mini tournament with some of Croatia’s biggest athletes. You will thus be able to see just how good some of the biggest names in football, basketball and handball, to name just a few sports, are at playing tennis alongside the sport’s top players.
On Wednesday, the Goran Ivanišević ATP Stadium will conjure up the spirit of Wimbledon. Goran will welcome two of his friends and former Wimbledon champions, Netherlands’ Richard Krajicek and Australia’s Pat Cash. American DJ and producer Redfoo, who is a huge tennis fan and a former tennis player, will add to the entertainment by coming onto the court. There will be some other surprises as well.
Diverse entertainment program, concerts and performances to suit all tastes
This year, apart from the top tennis matches, the visitors will be enjoying selected entertainment off the court as well, while the music program will once again feature a diverse offer to suit all tastes. As part of the Party Nights program, there will be performances by the biggest stars in both Croatia and the region, as well as world famous DJs. The performances will be kicked off by the legendary Parni Valjak, followed by concerts from Hladno Pivo and Željko Joksimović. On July 19, the stage will be taken over by the DJs, starting with Redfoo, who will perform right after his appearance in the exhibition match. Apart from the American, Umag will also enjoy the performances by DJ Throttle, R3hab and The Avener.
Alongside music performances, the visitors of the tournament will be able to experience a new fashion and music concept – Fashion Live. It will be a combination of fashion, theater, music and dance, starring Croatia’s most famous fashion designers Matija Vuica and ELFS. The project’s author is Ivona Brnelić, a longtime dancer for Tina Turner and choreographer. Finally, this year, Matija Vuica also took upon herself to take care of the hostesses’ styling and design their new and irresistible uniforms.
Best of Istria’s gourmet offer in one place
For eight years now, Istria Gourmet Festival has been complementing the tennis event in Umag with guest appearances by select partners found among the Istrian restaurants, winemakers and olive oil makers. Choosing where to enjoy oneself in the Festival Zone after the tennis matches is never an easy task – from the fine-dining ambiance of the Istria Gourmet Restaurant with a select gourmet offer, and the modern vision of the traditional Istrian specialties at Naša Kužina (Our Cuisine), to the relaxing atmosphere at the Taste Istria Zone featuring a rich wine & gourmet offer on over 30 tasting stands.
Finally, once again, we will have the unavoidable Hidden Charms of the Istrian Wines, wine tasting events, getting a seat at tastings is always in high demand.
