Spaniard writes history in Dubrovnik, fighting back in front of packed stands to claim the first WTA title of her career
Dubrovnik, 29 March 2026 – In the final of the WTA Dubrovnik Open, Spain’s Andrea Lázaro García defeated Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina 3–6, 6–4, 6–3. Before arriving in Dubrovnik, the Spaniard had never won a singles title at WTA level, although she had already claimed ten ITF tournament victories – a clear sign of her consistency and quality.
Although the first set suggested the Ukrainian was in control of the match, Lázaro García turned things around at the start of the second set, fighting her way back into contention. After just over two hours and twenty minutes of play, Dubrovnik crowned its very first champion.
“I would like to congratulate Anhelina – she’s having a great season and I wish her all the best going forward. Thank you to the organizers, the supervisor, the umpires, and the ball kids… You did an amazing job in this beautiful city of Dubrovnik. A special thank you to the Lukas family – you made this week unforgettable. I love you and thank you. Thanks as well to the Erasmus group for their support, and of course to my team and my father. Thank you for believing in me,” said Lázaro García.
The new champion has also picked up a few Croatian words – hvala (thank you), dobar dan (good day), doviđenja(goodbye), and laku noć (good night). With a smile, she added that Croatian tennis players also taught her a few swear words.
Dubrovnik Shows How to Cheer
Finalist Kalinina said it was a pleasure to play in front of such a large crowd and congratulated her opponent on an excellent performance.
“Andrea deserved the win today. I would also like to thank the team that maintained the courts – they worked incredibly hard throughout the week in all conditions and made it possible for us to play great tennis,” the Ukrainian said.
Tournament director Feliks Lukas also thanked the Dubrovnik crowd.
“Despite the colder weather, the stands were full throughout the entire week – from the first round all the way to the final. First you supported our players, then all the other competitors, and today the finalists, creating an atmosphere that made them feel at home. I would especially like to thank the Mayor of Dubrovnik, Mato Franković, who recognized this project and made it possible for the tournament to come to Dubrovnik. I also thank County Prefect Nikola Dobroslavić and the Ministry of Tourism and Sport, as well as all our partners and sponsors who continue to support us. A big thank you to the finalists – we witnessed tennis today that truly matched the level of a Grand Slam event. With your energy, fighting spirit and dedication, you inspire us to continue developing projects like this. We are aware of how much sacrifice it takes to compete at this level, and we extend our sincere congratulations to you, as well as to all the players who took part in the first edition of this tournament,” said the WTA Dubrovnik Open director. He also invited fans to the WTA Makarska Open, which takes place in the first week of June, expressing the hope that a Croatian player will finally reach the final.
Water Polo Players Try Their Hand at Tennis
As part of the exhibition program on the final day, ahead of the main match, close friends – Dubrovnik native Ante Kolunđija and Split’s Sven Maretić – played wheelchair tennis, once again highlighting the importance of inclusion in sport. They were followed by entertaining mixed doubles matches featuring Croatian tennis players and members of the VK Jug Dubrovnik water polo team – Ana Konjuh, Lucija Ćirić Bagarić, Ana Petković, Tena Lukas, Vlado Pavlić, Ante Jerković, Maro Šušić and Filip Kržić. And it must be said – the water polo players adapted surprisingly well, even though some of them were holding a tennis racket for the very first time.
Foto: Bogdan Klarić