Stan Wawrinka beat Alvaro Gullen Mena 6-4 6-1 in the opening round of the Playa Laguna Croatia Open Umag on his return to the venue where he claimed the first ATP Tour title in 2006 after his opponent Novak Djokovic withdrew from the match at 6-6 (7-1) due to breathing problems. Wawrinka also reached the final in Umag in 2023.
Both Wawrinka and Gullen Mena traded breaks twice in the first set to draw level to 4-4.Wawrinka earned his third break in the 10th game to win the first set 6-4. The 40-year-old Swiss player broke twice in the second and sixth games to win the second set 6-1.
Wawrinka set up a second round match against Damir Dzumhur.
“I won my first ATP title here, so it’s always going to be a special place. I came here early to [adjust] to the conditions. It’s never easy, but super happy with the win of course.”, said Wawrinka.
Nikoloz Basilashvili beat Roberto Carballes Baena 6.3 6-4. Chun Hsn Tseng edged past Giulio Zeppieri 7.5 6-4. Terence Atmane beat 2019 Umag finalist Dusan Lajovic 6-3 6-4.
