The IJF World Tour event is the first major tournament to take place post Rio 2016, with many of those who experienced success in Brazil still absorbing their achievements and opting to sit out of the event in the capital.

That leaves plenty of young talent on show, with the up-and-coming judoka set to make their first tentative steps on the road to Tokyo 2020.

Under 70kg competitor Matic, the Ulaanbaatar Grand Prix bronze medallist, was defeated in her opening contest in Rio last month by Puerto Rico's María Pérez.

The 21-year-old said she wanted to emulate Majlinda Kelmendi, who won a historic first Olympic gold in Rio for Kosovo, a country making its debut at the Games.

Kelmendi triumphed in the 52kg division to write her name into folklore.

"I hope to win at least something that Majlinda has won in the last four years," said Matic, whose sister Brigita will also compete in Zagreb.

"I am not in the perfect shape but I am looking forward to the competition and hopefully I can win a medal."

Despite not competing in Zagreb, Kelmendi still appeared at an opening press conference today and said she wouldn't be in action again until the IJF Paris Grand Slam in February.

"These four years were so hard, in 2015 I had injuries and it was very difficult to come back, so now I need to rest," she said. 

"I have all the titles that an athlete can have, but I love being successful, I love being a winner, my next goal is Tokyo 2020 and that starts next year as I want to win every European and world title before then. 

"I can talk like this because I work hard and sacrifice a lot."

Action in Zagreb will take place until September 25, with competition in seven men's and seven women's weight divisions.