UMAG, July 15, 2016
Three former Grand Slams champions will kick-off the 27th edition of the Konzum Croatia Open in Umag on Saturday evening. Andre Agassi, Goran Ivanisevic and Juan-Carlos Ferrero will take part in a day full of action at the Stella Maris complex.
The tournament’s organizer Istraturist will honor the country’s greatest tennis player and one of its greatest athletes ever, Goran Ivanišević, by naming the ATP stadium after him, followed by an exhibition match between the former Wimbledon champion and the former world number one from the United States. 2010 Umag champion and ex-Roland Garros titlist Ferrero will join the two as special guest. Interest in the event reached its peak two days before the official start of the tournament. With more than 4,000 spectators attending, the event will be sold out.
In the afternoon ahead of the battle between the two tennis legends, the youngest tennis fans will have the chance to play with the three stars during a special Kid’s Day, starting at 4:30 pm.
“We have been waiting for this event for a long time and now it’s finally here! A few months ago I had said it sounded unreal when I would announce out loud that Andre was coming to Croatia. Judging by the interest the event has attracted, I can tell that people in Croatia understand who Andre Agassi is and what he represents in the world of tennis. It will be a relaxing and fun exhibition match, and I am glad that another tennis master, Juan Carlos Ferrero, will be joining us there as well. I am confident the three of us will entertain everyone at the Stadium and in front of the TV screens,” Goran Ivanišević said and added:
“It’s been years since we had last been active players and it’s only natural that nowadays we cannot be half as good as when we had played on the Tour. Andre has back problems that have been bothering him throughout his career and I am really grateful that he will be making such an effort for Umag’s sake. He will be arriving from Vegas for this occasion only and will be going straight back home, and not many would do that.”
Istraturist director and chairman of the tournament’s Organizing Committee Ronald Korotaj said on Thursday:
“As the tournament is approaching, the excitement surrounding it is gradually building up – not only among the organizers but also among our guests. We are just two days away from the opening ceremony and the masterly exhibition match that will kick off the latest edition of our tournament. Plus, the sold out ATP Stadium guarantees excellent atmosphere. We are proud of the sports and entertainment program that we have come up with and realized together with our sponsors and partners for over 100,000 visitors to enjoy. See you in Umag!”
