POREC, May 15, 2020 (Press Release)
Due to the unprecedented global effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the ATP has announced the continued suspension of all competitions until the end of July 2020. All tournaments that were to be held during the month of July, including the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag, have consequently been cancelled or postponed. Since the health and safety of the tennis players, tournament staff and spectators come first, the 31st edition of one of Croatia’s premier and long-lasting sporting events will instead be staged in July 2021.
“It is with great sadness that we are announcing the cancellation of our cherished tournament which was originally planned to be held from July 17 until July 26, 2020. For over 30 years, the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag has continuously delighted fans and players from all over the world and will continue to do so. We look forward to preparing a fantastic competition for 2021. For Plava Laguna, the safety of our employees, guests, players, partners and the community is our foremost priority. We have therefore taken all necessary measures to respond to the current situation in a timely and responsible manner. Given these unprecedented circumstances, cancelling the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag is the correct decision for everyone involved in this world-renowned sporting event. We are currently completing a HRK 1 million investment in the Goran Ivanišević ATP Stadium that began before the COVID-19 outbreak, and are confident that in July 2021 we will once again meet in Umag and enjoy the spectacular tennis matches, concerts, and gourmet experiences with new and improved infrastructure”, said Dragan Pujas, CEO of Plava Laguna.
“Covid-19 changed not only the sports world, but the world in general. According to experts, tennis is one of the safest sports activities, but the restart of the ATP Tour is among the biggest challenges of all sports competitions. The fact that players from all over the world need to have a chance to travel without any restrictions in order for the Tour to start again puts the ATP in a very difficult position. That’s why the cancelation of the July tournaments, including the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag, was the only option the ATP had. I believe that all of us will feel a bit empty without Stella Maris and its July buzz, but the health and safety of our players and fans are the most important. This cancellation is an even bigger reason for all of us to feel excited about July 2021 and the 31st edition of the tournament”, added Lawrence Frankopan, Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag Tournament Director.
The ATP has suspended the ATP Tour until the end of July 2020 over the on-going pandemic. Commenting on the decision, ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi stated the following: “Due to continued uncertainties surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we regret to announce our decision to extend the suspension of the Tour. Just like tennis fans, players and tournament hosts all over the world, we share in the disappointment the Tour continues to be affected in this way. We continue to assess all of our options in an effort to resume the Tour as soon as it is safe to do so, including the feasibility of rescheduling events later in the season. As ever, the health and well-being of the tennis community and wider public remains our top priority in every decision we make.”
