Four years ago, Plava Laguna Croatian Open Umag launched its innovative initiative entitled “Road to Umag powered by Podravka”, which is designed to boost the ambitions of Croatian tennis players by offering them a chance to secure their wild card entry to the prestigious ATP tournament in Umag. This unique concept boasts a new conceptualisation this year with its two-stage design, whereby the first one is set to take place on 22 and 23 June in Karlovac in the form of a doubles tournament, while the second one is scheduled from 15 to 18 July in Umag and will allow players to face off in a singles match. The duo emerging as victors of the Karlovac tournament will be rewarded with a ticket to the main doubles tournament, while the singles champion will be invited to compete in the qualifications for Plava Laguna Croatian Open – the most prestigious tennis event in Croatia.
The fourth edition of the Road to Umag is a rare opportunity for Croatian tennis players, professionals and amateurs alike, to showcase their skills and get the chance to play on the global tennis scene. Previous champions of the Road to Umag series always enthusiastically emphasised the power of the platform when it comes to shining a spotlight on up-and-coming talents. Success is certainly generously rewarded with the opportunity to face off against strong opponents and fight for the points required to make the ATP rankings.
“The Croatian tennis scene has always been actively represented at our tournament, and with the Road to Umag concept, we offered all of our players a chance to break through on the largest global stage available to Croatian tennis. Participating is an excellent opportunity to fulfil one’s ambitions of qualifying for the ATP Tour. We wish all the tennis players much success and invite them to apply for both stages of the tournament,” said Director of Tournament Tomislav Poljak.
“Plava Laguna encourages the participation of youth in both professional and amateur sports. We support the work of sports club schools in Plava Laguna’s destinations, as evidenced by our cooperation with and promotion of a number of clubs in Poreč and Umag which offer sports schools and camps. We are proud of the Plava Laguna Sport brand, through which we demonstrate our unwavering dedication to sports. Road to Umag is another way we give young tennis players the opportunity to introduce themselves to the whole world and make their dreams come true,” said President of the Management Board at Plava Laguna Dragan Pujas.
ATP Umag will take place from 19 to 27 July, and the already confirmed participants include Andrey Rublev and the Davis Cup winning trio (Lorenzo Musetti, Matteo Arnaldi and Lorenzo Sonego). However, the list of renowned figures from the very best of global tennis does not stop there, as we are still waiting for other excellent players to confirm their participation.
