#ATPUMAG #30ATPUMAG OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE ATP TOURNAMENT • No 2 • 15. 07. 2019.

ORDER OF PLAY PARTY PROGRAMME GORAN IVANIŠEVIĆ STADIUM GRANDSTAND COURT 1 11:00 Kids’ Week 16:30 16:00 16:00 (ITA) vs. (GER) vs. Peter Torebko (GER) vs. 10:00-22:00 (ESP) Attila Balazs(HUN) Daniel Altmaier (GER) Kviki Gaming Corner 16:00-17:00 not before 19:00 Followed by SUper on water Challenge (ITA) vs. Cedric-Marcel Stebe (GER) vs. COURT 2 Aljaz Bedene (SLO) Jiry Vesely (CZE) 16:00 ISTRIA GOURMET Followed by (ARG) vs. FESTIVAL & MUSIC (POR) vs. Stefano Napolitano (ITA) 21:00 (ITA) Wine tasting – young malvasia Tickets are available on the official website www.croatiaopen.hr. FREE ENTRY TO THE PARTY PROGRAM.

The organizer reserves the right to change the program and timetable. All news in the program can be followed using the official website of the tournament www.croatiaopen.hr. 1 1. FOGNINI, FABIO ITA MAIN DRAW 2. BYE F. FOGNINI [1] 3. TRAVAGLIA, STEFANO ITA SINGLES 4. FABBIANO, THOMAS ITA 5. QUALIFIER WC 6. GALOVIĆ, VIKTOR CRO 7. DANIEL, TARO JPN 6 8. KRAJINOVIĆ, FILIP SRB 3 9. ĐERE, LASLO SRB 10. BYE L. ĐERE [3] 11. QUALIFIER 12. LORENZI, PAOLO ITA PR 13. STEBE, CEDRIK-MARCEL GER 14. VESELY, JIRI CZE 15. ANDUJAR, PABLO ESP 8 16. MAYER, LEONARDO ARG 5 17. CECCHINATO, MARCO ITA 18. BEDENE, ALJAŽ SLO 19. SOUSA, PEDRO POR WC 20. SINNER, JANNIK ITA 21. RUBLJOV, ANDREJ RUS 22. HAASE, ROBIN NED

23. BYE D. LAJOVIĆ [4] 3 24. LAJOVIĆ, DUŠAN SRB 7 25. KLIŽAN, MARTIN SVK 26. BAGNIS, FACUNDO ARG 27. QUALIFIER WC 28. SERDARUŠIĆ, NINO CRO 29. MOUTET, CORENTIN FRA 30. QUALIFIER 31. BYE B. ĆORIĆ [2] 2 32. ĆORIĆ, BORNA CRO

1 1. CARUSO, SALVATORE ITA QUALIFYING S. CARUSO [1] Alt 2. RAZBORŠEK, NIK SLO 6:3, 6:2 SINGLES Alt 3. ZEKIĆ, MILJAN SRB T. ROBREDO [5] 5 4. ROBREDO, TOMMY ESP 6:2, 6:3 2 5. MOLLEKER, RUDOLF GER R. MOLLEKER [2] 6. ORNAGO, FABRIZIO ITA 6:7(3), 7:5, 6:2 WC 7. KALENDER, ADMIR CRO A. BALAZS [8] 8 8. BALAZS, ATTILA HUN 6:0, 6:3

3 9. BALDI, FILIPPO ITA P. TOREBKO 10. TOREBKO, PETER GER 7:6(4), 6:3

WC 11. ALTMAIER, DANIEL GER D. ALTMAIER 7 12. BERLOCQ, CARLOS ARG 6:2, 6:4

4 13. TRUNGELLITI, MARCO ARG M. TRUNGELLITI [4] 14. ŽURBIN, ALEKSANDR RUS 7:5, 7:5

15. BARRANCO COSANO, JAVIER ESP S. NAPOLITANO 6 16. NAPOLITANO, STEFANO ITA 7:6(1), 3:6, 6:2

2 Lawrence Goran Frankopan Ivanišević

The director’s view The legend’s view

SETTING OFF AT THE AUDIENCE FULL STEAM! WERE SATISFIED

This is obviously quite a big year for us. A big 30- Our first exhibition match is behind us, and when year anniversary, an amazing milestone for the tour- they ask me my impressions, I say: the most import- nament. I have to thank everyone who has worked ant thing is that the audience were satisfied and said so hard throughout the years. We will celebrate this it was fun, that they laughed, relaxed... and left in a moment as a huge momentum for tennis, because good mood. The goal wasn’t for this to be just a ten- having this event for so long, having received many nis match, but much more. awards and getting recognition speaks for itself. From the court, I can’t judge how sday, let it be so. I’d like to invite all we were playing, whether we loo- tennis fans to come, and especially ked silly after thirty years. Prpic told tennis nostalgics, because it will be This would never have happe- media presence; they are tennis journalists an hour or so before the interesting. It will be a great story and ned if we didn’t have a lot of har- players who can count on winning start that he was a bit worried how it I’m glad Patrick will be here with us. dworking people working in the tournaments anywhere. But they would look, and then just before we I know all sports lovers remember shadows behind the main stage, won’t simply be able to stroll into started, both of us found ourselves that Wimbledon final – not just those and without them it wouldn’t the title, because there are a few thinking “wish we hadn’t played the who love tennis – and I hope we fill have been possible. I’ve come to other players who have begun to finals in 1990, at least we wouldn’t be up the stadium. I also invite all young know them well in recent years, move up towards high rankings. here now.” But it was great, plenty of tennis players and even the professi- and it’s rare to find such enthu- We are very, very excited and it is people came, they laughed, cheered, onals who are here in Umag to come siasts who work on the tiniest de- going to be very interesting, but applauded... So they probably had a and see how you return a volley. They tails with so much passion. This however the draw goes, it will be good time could learn a lot. is the reason why we’re moving a great opportunity for audiences With the muscle pulls I have, I co- In the meantime, come to the tour- forward, and I believe all our visi- to see some great tennis, whate- uldn’t really run and I had to be nament matches to enjoy some wor- tors will feel that this year as well. ver the part of the draw, whatever careful, which surely showed, but I ld-class tennis. We’ve got very, very First and foremost, Patrick Rafter the court. Our approach is basically think that’s not important when the good players in the main draw, both and Goran Ivanisevic will give us not to have any uninteresting mat- atmosphere is so good. Of course, in the upper and lower half, and it a great exhibition match to highli- ches. Neither at the beginning of it’s a lot easier to play when you can won’t be easy for anyone. The favo- ght the week. The match between the week, nor in the middle of the run, and at exhibitions, that means urites are only on paper, they’ll have the two Gorans was another great week, nor in the finals. you can have variations, you can to work hard to win. There will be opportunity to celebrate Croatian Monday will prove that. We have “fool around” a bit, do something players in every round who are out- tennis and its history. a player in the qualifying rounds you don’t usually do. But all in all, we siders but who might surprise us. Just Regarding the main draw, we’re who was both a champion and a showed we can still hit the ball and look how many great players weren’t proud to have one of the stron- defeated finalist, and I think there play well. seeded and you’ll see immediately gest fields in recent years. Ha- isn’t a tennis fan who doesn’t hold There’s one more exhibition match how many potential “land mines” ving a Top 10 player in the draw Tommy Robredo in high regard. left, and I’m getting ready for my duel there are for the best-ranked players. with is just great After that, we’re ready to enjoy a with Patrick Rafter on Wednesday. But that’s good, it means it’s a solid for the event, along with ho- match between Marco Cecchinato The result is irrelevant. I won the tournament, that there’s a breadth megrown hero Borna Coric. and Aljaz Bedene. We’re setting off more important match in 2001, so of great players, and that means the The two of them have the biggest at full steam! if Patrick happens to win on Wedne- tennis will be at a high level as well.

3 THE TOURNAMENT CELEBRATES ITS 30TH ANNIVERSARY The 30th anniversary edition of the ment could not hide his tears at what the tournament has become,” development of tennis both in Plava Laguna Umag receiving this recognition, and he said Slavko Rasberger in his speech. Croatia and abroad,”said Staver tennis tournament received a thanked everyone who has contri- Rasberger was congratulated in the A birthday cake was cut and musician well-deserved celebration on Trg buted to putting Umag and Croatia name of Plava Laguna by Neven Sta- Goran Griff sang the tournament Slobode square in Umag. Just be- on the international tennis map. ver, president of the tournament’s hymn What a Wonderful World, cre- fore the celebration, at the formal “First and foremost, I would like to organising board and Plava Laguna’s ating a lovely atmosphere on the reception at the Town Hall, Umag thank my family, but also the best managing board president. crowded town square. As a souve- mayor Vili Bassanese handed a cer- team in the world and everyone “I would like to congratulate Mr. nir of the 30th edition of Croatia’s tificate of appreciation to Slavko involved creating it. This is one of Rasberger, founder of the Umag longest-running ATP tournament, Rasberger, the first director of the the greatest recognitions I’ve ever tournament, for his immeasurable hostesses also distributed branded ATP tournament. received and it has made me espe- contribution to the development tennis balls to citizens and guests. The founder of the Umag tourna- cially emotional, but also proud at of ATP in Umag, as well as to the

4 Plava Laguna creates unforgettable family holidays in Istria, Croatia.

OnCe In A lIfEtImE sTaRtS hErE plavalaguna.com

5 CHILDREN FROM VUKOVAR AT THE TOURNAMENT IN UMAG Six kids from Vukovar have joined from Vukovar will have the chance “Last year, working on the Vukovar with their peers from other parts the ball boy & girl team this year to meet some of their tennis idols Tennis Camp project, we had the of Croatia and enjoying a world-c- sponsored by the tournament up close through Kids’ Week. By pleasure of meeting young tennis lass international sporting event and the Marin Cilic Foundation. actively participating in the tour- lovers from Vukovar, and we’re like ATP Umag is sure to have a In cooperation with Vukovar Tennis nament and socialising with their very happy to have the opportu- positive influence on the develop- Camp, within which a group of ent- peers from Istria, the children from nity to support this great initiative ment of these great young kids,” husiasts has been organising a free Vukovar will have a week full of this year as well, again with the said Nevena Mrkonjic, director of summer tennis camp for children sporting excitement. support of the camp. Socialising the Marin Cilic Foundation. from Vukovar for a few years, this team of six young tennis players has a unique opportunity to participate in the 30th edition of the only ATP tournament in Croatia. “We’re glad to have been able to work with the Marin Cilic Foun- dation to let these young tennis players from Vukovar join us at the ATP tournament, where they will meet their tennis idols in person. We’re sure they will take home unforgettable memories and lots of useful experience from Umag,” said Lawrence Frankopan, dire- ctor of Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag. Aside from being a part of the ball boy & girl team, these youngsters YET ANOTHER EDITION OF KIDS’ WEEK Throughout its 30 years, the Umag by giving the tournament an Award ATP tournament has received nu- of Excellence. However, we cannot merous recognitions from all over, rest on our laurels, so every year one of which was for its well-or- the experience is even better, and ganised Kids’ Week. It started as this year is no different. a typical one-day event for kids, Kids’ Week will be held from Mon- then grew into a week-long event day to Friday on the concrete court full of great fun for everyone: both next to the Grandstand, and one players and young tennis lovers. or more tennis players will appear Throughout the years, a lot of effort as guests every day. On Monday at is invested into organising Kids’ around 11AM, the first to join the Week, and ATP has recognised this kids will be Nino Serdarusic.

Lucky losers won Line judge training the titles twice throughout the Ukrainian Dmitri Poliakov in 1991 to the main draw after late wit- tournament’s first weekend and Russian Andrei Rublev in 2017 hdrawals. It happens very rarely managed to win the Umag title as at the big ATP events, but both During the first weekend of the Foreign ATP experts were involved lucky losers, e. g. as players who managed to accomplish the feat, 30th Plava Laguna Croatia Open in this training session, and highly lost in the last round of qualifying showing that sometimes just some Umag, on Saturday 13 and Sunday experienced local line judges have event, but were then promoted luck is needed. 14 July, line judge training was held also provided great support for at ATP Goran Ivanisevic Stadium. this project.

6 MAIN DRAW STARTS ON MONDAY A TOUGH TASK FOR THE DEFENDING CHAMPION The main draw of the 30th Plava career, will play against a highly Bedene is surely not good news not missed a single season, and Laguna Croatia Open will start on demanding opponent, Aljaz Bede- for him. One of these took pla- he will continue this tradition Monday afternoon, and the defen- ne, who played briefly under the ce just a few months ago in Rio this year. His best effort was in ding champion will begin his new British flag but is now playing for de Janeiro, on clay as well, and the quarterfinals in 2013, when campaign in Umag on the very first Slovenia again. The match will be this might be a very good reason he lost to the eventual champi- day. And it will be no easy task for played at Goran Ivanisevic Stadium, for Cecchinato to take this mat- on, Spaniard Tommy Robredo. him! Marco Cecchinato, who played beginning at 7PM at the earliest. ch very seriously. Moreover, red Robredo will also be in action be- very well last year and attained The fact that Cecchinato lost both clay is Bedene’s favourite surface. fore him on the very same court some of the finest results of his of his previous encounters with “I think it’s the best moment of (starting at 4:30PM) in the last ro- my life,” Cecchinato said af- und of the qualifying event against ter raising the trophy last Italian Salvatore Caruso. All three year. “This year I’ve won other qualifying matches will be- two titles, I made the se- gin at nearly the same moment, mi-finals at Roland Garros. after which the main draw will be I’m very happy because I’m completed with the last four na- playing very, very well.” mes. Among others, Croats Viktor This year, he added the Galovic and Nino Serdarusic will trophy to learn who will they play against his list of victories and in the main draw opening round. continued his rise throu- The other main draw matches on gh the ATP singles rankin- the opening day will feature Pedro gs, reaching 16th place. Susa from Portugal playing against Bedene is a familiar foe Jannik Sinner from and Ce- in Umag, and not many dric-Marcel Stebe from Germany players are as keen to play against Jiri Vesely from the Czech in Stella Maris as he is. Republic. Since his first appearance in Umag in 2011, he has

7 8 SINNER AND TRAVAGLIA SHOWED THEIR EXCELLENT GAMING SKILLS Besides world-class tennis, a great Sunday at the Social Arena – the this popular game on Nintendo Tommy Robredo, Nenad Zimonjic party programme and gourmet ATP Mario Kart Championship led Switch consoles, and after a long, and others all displayed their ex- food, visitors to the 30th Plava La- by Good Game Global and spon- unpredictable battle, the youngest cellent gaming skills. guna Croatia Open Umag also have sored by Podravka. won – Jannik Sinner and Stefano Fans followed their favourites via the opportunity to enjoy exciting A total of sixteen tennis players Travaglia. The Italians beat Croatian a live stream on the Good Game video games. and coaches took part in the to- opponents Borna Coric and Nino Global YouTube channel. As a part of the Players Party, a urnament, divided into eight pa- Serdarusic in the finals, and Laslo gaming tournament was held this irs. Players and coaches played Dere, Dusan Lajovic, Filip Krajinovic,

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