POREC, July 19, 2017 (Press Release)
This evening, Goran Ivanišević, Pat Cash and Richard Krajicek, Wimbledon champions and tennis legends, will play a grand exhibition match at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open in Umag. The exhibition was announced on Wednesday, on the terrace of the Laguna Parentium Hotel in Poreč, by Istraturist’s CEO and chairman of the tournament’s Organizing Committee Ronald Korotaj, tournament director Lawrence Frankopan, and stars of the evening, Ivanišević, Cash and Krajicek. This evening’s exhibition will be an homage of sorts to the British tournament, whose men’s singles final this year was played on the same weekend that the tournament in Umag opened.
“Following the spectacular opening exhibition, we prepared yet another evening of laughter and entertainment for our visitors. We are continuing with the trend of bringing tennis legends to the tournament. We always try to be creative about it, so each year we lift the bar a little higher to provide the spectators with something interesting, and I am glad that they have recognized our efforts,” Ronald Korotaj said.
Pat Cash, Goran Ivanisevic and Richard Krajicek (photo: Jurica Galoic/PIXSELL)
After last year’s exhibition, when Goran Ivanišević welcomed his longtime friend Agassi, this one promises not to be any less spectacular. The legends of the international tennis will wow the spectators with their recognizable shots and moves that have won them numerous titles over the years. This time, however, it will be in a completely different and entertaining atmosphere.
“Each year we prepare a spectacle starring some of world’s biggest names. Last year, we brought Agassi, and now we have Cash and Krajicek. Still, judging by our pace, we will soon have no legends left to invite over. Once that happens, we will have to start re-inviting them to come to Umag,” Lawrence Frankopan added.
Goran promised us loads of great fun, saying that this evening would certainly not be boring. “What can you expect? I don’t know that either. Everything! Expect the unexpected. I never plan ahead but get my inspiration once I’m out on the court. But with these two it certainly won’t be boring. Richard has a dreamlike serve, and Pat is one of the best volleyers in the history of the sport – I mean, the way he plays is pure art – so all those who love tennis or want to learn how to volley should be there to see Cash in person.”
The Australian Pat Cash won Wimbledon in 1987. Today, he is one of the most famous and respected tennis commentators, and a coach as well.
“I visited Croatia in 1985 for the first time, when I played for Australia in the Davis Cup against the former Yugoslavia. We played in Split, and one of the ball boys at that time was – Goran Ivanišević. Of course, I did not know it then, but now Goran has told me, and he said he was proud of it. Tonight I expect the same treatment, so I’ll be looking to Goran to retrieve my balls,” announced the entertaining Australian. He said that, whenever he wanted to teach his players to serve, he showed them videos of Goran and Richard’s serves, because they were his idols in this aspect of the game. “I just hope that tonight they’ll go easy on me because it’s difficult to return their serves.”
Richard Krajicek, the famous Dutchman and 1996 Wimbledon champion, will sure show the viewers why he carries the title of one the best servers of his time.
“It’s always fun to be on the court with Goran, as every time he comes up with something hilarious. I know that as we recently played together at Wimbledon’s legends’ tournament. Even though he was a bit nervous then, I’m confident he will be more relaxed this evening,” the Dutchman said.
American rapper, DJ, producer, and former LMFAO member Redfoo will also join this entertaining tennis spectacle. Apart from producing some of the world’s most popular songs, he is also known as a rather passionate amateur tennis player. After the exhibition, Redfoo will show off his DJing skills at the Dance Arena by playing numerous international hits.
