A challenging day for Croatian players in Lapad: Lukas delivers a strong performance, while top seed Petra Marčinko and Dubrovnik natives Lucija Ćirić Bagarić and Ana Konjuh fail to reach the second round.
Dubrovnik, March 24, 2026 – Kaštela’s Tena Lukas surprised the home crowd in the first round of the WTA Dubrovnik Open, advancing after fifth seed Anastasija Pavlyuchenkova retired in the third set. Lukas pushed the experienced Olympic champion to the limit, maintained her composure throughout, and ultimately justified her wild card entry for the tournament’s inaugural edition.
“I’m sorry the match ended this way. I gave everything, enjoyed being on court, and I played really good tennis today. I love playing at home, I love having our fans in the stands, and I think this is an excellent tournament,” Lukas said.
Dubrovnik hopeful Lucija Ćirić Bagarić struggled to find her rhythm on home soil. The pressure of competing in her own city at Dubrovnik’s first WTA event, taking place at the Lapad courts through Sunday, March 29, proved heavy. Against the lively Mia Ristić, she had no answer as the Serbian player set the pace and secured a 6–1, 6–1 victory.
“There were a few nerves; I haven’t played here in a long time. Things didn’t go as I wanted, but it’s always a special feeling to be back home. Dubrovnik is beautiful, and I also enjoy playing at other tournaments. I believe next year will be better because the tournament itself is already a great success,” Ćirić Bagarić said. Tomorrow she will turn her focus to doubles, partnering with fellow Dubrovnik native Ana Konjuh, who also had an unlucky day. Konjuh lost to the tournament’s fourth seed, Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch, 1–6, 3–6, leaving her fans disappointed as she, too, misses the second round.
High hopes had been placed on top seed Petra Marčinko. Despite a strong performance, she was outplayed by Serbia’s Teodora Kostović, ending another Croatian player’s run in the first round with a 2–6, 3–6 defeat.
Foto: Bogdan Klarić