ZAGREB/STARNBERG, June 10, 2024
Damir Dzumhur from Bosnia and Herzegovina was crowned champion of the third edition of the Zagreb Open. The top seed of the ATP Challenger Tour 75 clay-court tournament defeated Croatian wild card entry Loka Mikrut 7-5, 6-0 in Sunday’s singles final.
The World No. 128 battled his way to the title match with wins over David Jorda Sanchis of Spain, his compatriot Nerman Fatic, No. 7 seed Nick Hardt from the Dominican Republic and third-seeded Spaniard Oriol Roca Batalla.
Dzumhur capitalized on five of his seven break-point opportunities and won 63 per cent of the total points played to prevail after one hour and 27 minutes.
A new title to add to the collection 🏆
No.1 seed Damir Dzumhur picks up his third Challenger title of the year, defeating Mikrut 7-5, 6-0 in the Zagreb final#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/nH7sqEwGbf
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) June 9, 2024
“I know this was a great week for you, it would be even better if you won. You’re on the right track. Kudos to you and your team. I’m sure there will be more finals, and certainly titles,” Dzumhur told 20-year-old Mikrut, who appeared in his maiden Challenger final.
“I knew that I couldn’t expect your support today, because I was playing against a local player, but I can really say that you passed a big test. This is my third title this season but it’s a very dear victory to me, because you showed how to cheer for a local player and show respect for the other one. I felt really at home in Zagreb,” he told the spectators during the on-court trophy ceremony.
“I hope that we will soon get back to the Top 100. We are getting close.”
The 32-year-old Dzumhur earned his 11th ATP Challenger Tour career title, his third of the season following his triumphs in Ostrava, Czechia and Barletta, Italy. He pocketed €10,200 in prize money as well as 75 ATP Ranking points.
The Zagreb Open offered a total prize purse of €74,825 and was held at the Sports Center Salata.
