Goran Ivanišević & Pat Rafter to replay Wimbledon Final in Croatia
- by croatiaweek
- in Sport
26 February 2019 – The 30th edition of the ATP Plava Laguna Croatia Open, that will be held in Umag from 12-21 July, 2019, will feature a repeat of one of the biggest Croatian sports stories.
The traditional exhibition event at the tournament in Umag, held on 17 July, will be a rematch of the legendary 2001 Wimbledon Final between Goran Ivanišević and Australian Patrick Rafter, organisers annnounced.
This iconic final, carved deeply into the memories of sports fans around the world, especially Croatian fans who went through a turmoil of emotions with Goran, will come alive again in the Goran Ivanišević Stadium named after the legend himself in Umag.
Ivanišević defeated Rafter back in 2001 in the final at the All England Club, 6–3, 3–6, 6–3, 2–6, 9–7 to win his first Wimbledon title.
“He does not like to leave Australia. He brought a farm down there and is raising cows, he has never been to Croatia before so he will come with his wife for a holiday without the kids,” Goran joked at a press conference today.
“This will be a chance for everyone to relive the memories of Goran’s fourth final of the world’s most prestigious tournament and the People’s Monday when Goran and Patrick captured the hearts of millions around the globe,” organisers said.
Apart from this exciting exhibition match, the jubilee edition of the tournament will be marked by a great field of players, diverse party programme and a unique gourmet offer.
