SAN MARINO/STARNBERG, August 2, 2026
Top seed Facundo Diaz Acosta capped a dominant week at the 2026 San Marino Open by defeating Croatian qualifier Mili Poljicak 6-1, 6-4 in Sunday evening’s ATP Challenger 125 final at the Centro Cassa di Risparmio di Fonte dell’Ovo.
The 25-year-old Argentine lived up to his billing as the tournament favorite, needing just one hour and 25 minutes to secure his fifth ATP Challenger title of the 2026 season—more than any other player this year. It also marked the 10th Challenger crown of his career, achieved in his 15th final.
The victory sends Diaz Acosta back into the Top 100, climbing to World No. 84 after adding 125 ATP Ranking points to his tally. A former World No. 47 and ATP Tour champion in Buenos Aires, the left-hander continued his outstanding season, having previously lifted Challenger trophies in Tigre, Sao Leopoldo, Francavilla al Mare, and Milan.
After an even start, Diaz Acosta broke serve in the fourth game of the opening set and quickly took control with his heavy left-handed forehand, preventing Poljicak from employing the variety that had carried the Croatian through qualifying and into his fourth Challenger final. A second break sealed the opening set in just 30 minutes.
Poljicak, the 2022 Wimbledon boys’ singles champion, raised his level in the second set and stayed close early on, but Diaz Acosta remained composed under pressure. The Argentine converted his third break-point opportunity in the seventh game to move ahead 4-3 before confidently serving for the championship. Despite facing two break points in the final game, he responded with fearless forehands and eventually sealed the victory with a perfectly executed drop shot.
The winning moment 🏆
Facundo Diaz Acosta powers past Poljicak 6-1, 6-4 to lift the trophy in San Marino#ATPChallenger | @Facudiazacosta pic.twitter.com/AJZC8RCcl9
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) August 2, 2026
“It was my first time in San Marino, and I really enjoyed every moment,” Diaz Acosta said during the trophy ceremony. “My goal was to play as many matches as possible, and I managed to go all the way. I’m very happy with my week here, and I hope to come back next year or sometime in the future.”
Poljicak, who arrived in the main draw through qualifying, enjoyed an impressive run to the final after defeating defending champion Alexandre Muller and Peru’s Juan Pablo Varillas. Although he fell short in the championship match, the 22-year-old leaves San Marino with 64 ATP Ranking points and a new career-high ranking of World No. 256.
“I wasn’t in my best form when I arrived here, but match after match my level improved,” Poljicak said. “It was wonderful to play the final in such an atmosphere. I’d like to thank the crowd and everyone who makes this tournament so special.”
The Croatian nevertheless finished the week on a high note by winning the doubles title alongside Serbia’s Stefan Latinovic. The pair defeated French duo Arthur Reymond and Luca Sanchez 7-6(5), 6-3 in Saturday’s final.
RESULTS
Singles – Final
Facundo Diaz Acosta (ARG, No. 1) def. Mili Poljicak (CRO, Q) 6-1, 6-4
Doubles – Final
Stefan Latinovic (SRB) / Mili Poljicak (CRO) def. Arthur Reymond (FRA) / Luca Sanchez (FRA) 7-6(5), 6-3
