Pat Rafter arrives in Croatia: ‘It’s even more beautiful than Goran described’

Patrick Rafter in Umag (Photo: Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag)

UMAG, 17 July 2019 – Former Australian tennis star and world No.1, Patrick Rafter, has arrived in the Croatian coastal town of Umag. 

A good-spirited Patrick Rafter arrived in Umag ahead of his exhibition match tonight with Goran Ivanisevic. The match will be a repeat of the legendary 2001 Wimbledon final which the Croatian won. 

Rafter, who practised on court on yesterday after he arrived, will play Goran as part of the 30th edition of the Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag

“I am really happy to finally be in Umag after a thirty-hour flight. It is fantastic to see Goran again and to visit this place, which is even more beautiful than he had described it to me. I am looking forward not just to Umag but also to what follows after the exhibition. After the match, I plan to spend a few days in Dubrovnik and Korčula,” Rafter said.

(Photo: Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag)

Finally, the Australian announced what the spectators could expect from tomorrow’s show. “Even though we are not particularly fit, I am sure everyone will love what they will get from us tomorrow,” Rafter concluded.

(Photo: Plava Laguna Croatia Open Umag)

Rafter reached world No.1 in 199 after consecutive US Open titles in 1997 and 1998. His career highlights also include consecutive runner-up appearances at Wimbledon in 2000 and 2001, winning the 1999 Australian Open men’s doubles tournament alongside the Swede Jonas Björkman, and winning two singles and two doubles ATP Masters titles.