The WTA Croatia Bol Open began today and will continue through June 10, 2018.
June 5, 2018 – On the first day of the WTA Croatia Bol Open tournament, we saw a handful of exciting duels. The first match of the first round on the central court of the Bluesun tennis center was opened by Croatia’s Lea Bošković, the youngest player of the tournament and 588th in the world, and the best Montenegrin tennis player Danka Kovinić (115th). Although Lea had substantial resistance, Kovinić celebrated the win 6:3, 6:2.
“I was 3:1 and went to 6:3 in the first set. I made a couple of mistakes, and in the key moments she took advantage of her opportunities and was better. I was a bit nervous as this is my first WTA tournament, but the experience is phenomenal. I’m very grateful for the invitation, and I’d like to come back next year,” said Bošković who, before leaving for her next tournament, awaits graduation.
One of the most interesting matches was undoubtedly the 77th world player, Slovene Anna Karolina Schmiedlova and the young Ukrainian hopeful, fifteen-year-old Marta Kostjuk. Schmiedlova won 7:5, 6:2, but Kostjuk showed impressive hits and lost only because of lack of experience and patience. Marta is part of Ivan Ljubičić’s team, who is her mentor and looks after her career.
“It is a great thing for me, and Ivan’s counsel means a lot to me. It’s so nice to be here in Bol, and I’m sorry I did not stay in the tournament any longer. There were some mistakes which I hope I will correct in the future,” Kostjuk said.
Italian player Errani was followed with great interest today. Namely, Australian Naiktha Bains was 3:2 against Sara Errani, but the five-time Roland Garros winner in doubles got serious and won 6:3, 6:0.
On Wednesday, we await many exciting duels. The second youngest Croatian representative at the tournament, Tena Lukas from Kaštela, will take on the third-seed Ajla Tomljanović.
It is certainly worth a visit to the Bluesun tennis center Zlatni rat!
