OEIRAS/STARNBERG, January 10, 2025

Serbian Hamad Medjedovic and Canadian Liam Draxl are set to face off in the final of the Indoor Oeiras Open, the tournament that kicks off the international tennis calendar in Portugal. This event is the first of three consecutive ATP Challenger tournaments organized by the Portuguese Tennis Federation at the indoor courts of the Jamor Tennis Complex.

Medjedovic’s Thrilling Semifinal Victory

World No. 112 Medjedovic prevailed in a dramatic semifinal against Spain’s Daniel Rincon on Friday. Both players, born in 2003 and familiar rivals since their junior days, battled for nearly three hours in a match decided with the final score of 6-7(2), 6-4, 7-5. Medjedovic’s dominant serving performance, which included 14 aces and no breaks conceded, secured his place in his sixth ATP Challenger final. With one more win, Medjedovic could achieve a career milestone by breaking into the Top 100 for the first time.

The 21-year-old, a protégé of Novak Djokovic, demonstrated resilience and mental toughness to overcome Rincon, a former US Open junior champion and ex-World No. 2 junior, who showcased impressive form throughout the match.

Hamad Medjedovic’s decision to skip the Australian Open qualifying is now paying off as he beats Daniel Rincon 6-7(2), 6-4, 7-5 in a three-hour thriller to reach a 6th career @ATPChallenger final at the Indoor Oeiras Open.

One win away from the top 100 debut. pic.twitter.com/b6t39YPk3Y

— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) January 10, 2025

Medjedovic reflected on his hard-fought victory, saying: “Moments like these are why we work so hard. It was incredibly tough both mentally and physically, but overcoming such challenges feels immensely rewarding.”

Draxl’s Gritty Path to the Final

World No. 246 Draxl navigated one of the most challenging paths in the tournament. After saving a match point in the second round against Samuel Vincent Ruggeri and defeating second seed Alexander Ritschard, Draxl bested Germany’s Rudolf Molleker 7-6(6), 6-0 in the semifinals. Draxl’s physical endurance and consistency wore down his opponents, particularly in the second set against Molleker, who struggled to keep up.

GIVING IT ALL

No. 5 seed Liam Draxl overpowers Molleker 7-6(6), 6-0 to secure his spot in the Oeiras final #ATPChallenger | @fptenis pic.twitter.com/4hlqhaeIFD

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) January 10, 2025

The former University of Kentucky standout, known for his grinding playstyle, has used his steady serve to set up points and dominate from the baseline. Speaking about his journey, Draxl remarked:“Sometimes being so close to defeat takes the pressure off. Two days ago, I was on the brink of losing, and now I’m in the final. It’s a strange but incredible feeling.”

The Final Showdown

Scheduled for 11 a.m. local time on Saturday, the Indoor Oeiras Open 1 final marks the first-ever meeting between Medjedovic and Draxl. The Serbian, aiming for his fifth ATP Challenger title, also eyes a breakthrough into the Top 100. Meanwhile, Draxl, aged 23, seeks his second Challenger career title and entry into the Top 200 for the first time.