POREC/STARNBERG, March 17, 2026

Split native Mili Poljicak became the latest Croatian player to add his name to the list of singles champions at the Istarska Rivijera – with a tradition of 54 years, the oldest international tennis event in Croatia – following a 6–3, 6–4 victory over Italy’s Tommaso Compagnucci in Sunday’s final at the Pical Tennis Center in Porec.

Poljicak, the No. 3 seed of the ITF World Tennis Tour M15 tournament, took control of the match early, earning a crucial break to go 4–2 up in the opening set and comfortably closing it out. The 21-year-old Croatian carried that momentum into the second set, racing to a 4–0 lead and even reaching 0–30 in the fifth game.

Compagnucci responded with determination, winning 12 of the next 14 points to narrow the gap to 4–3. He also reached 0–30 in the following game, but Poljicak held firm, winning four consecutive points to extend his lead to 5–3. Although the Italian saved one match point on his own serve, the outcome was only delayed. Serving for the title, Poljicak earned three more match points at 40–0 and converted the third to seal the win.

“The title is here! I think it’s well deserved. I played at a very high level all week, much higher than the level of this tournament. I’m happy and I hope I can carry this form into my upcoming events,” Poljicak said after the match.

The victory marks the sixth ITF World Tour Tennis Tour singles title of his career and his first since August 2024. He also earns 15 ATP Ranking points and €1,944 in prize money.

Poljicak has also enjoyed success in doubles at the Istarska Rivijera, winning three titles in recent years – two in 2024 in Rovinj and Opatija with Luka Mikrut, and one last year in Porec alongside Emanuel Ivanisevic.

The 54th edition of the Istarska Rivijera now moves to its second stop at the Eden Tennis Center in Rovinj, where main draw action begins on Tuesday. Germany’s Tom Gentzsch, currently ranked world No. 246, is the top-ranked player in the field. He is followed by Ukraine’s Viacheslav Bielinskyi, a semifinalist in Porec this year and last year’s Rovinj champion, and Compagnucci, who finished runner-up in Porec.

M15 ITF Porec – Singles Final

Poljicak (CRO/3) def. Compagnucci (ITA/4) 6–3, 6–4.