BRAGA/STARNBERG, October 11, 2026
Matej Dodig became only the second Croatian player to win the Braga Open, capturing his third ATP Challenger Tour title in the Portuguese city. The eighth edition of the tournament, organised by the Portuguese Tennis Federation with the support of Braga City Council, concluded on Sunday at the Clube de Tenis de Braga.
The 21-year-old world No. 174 recovered from a set down to defeat Elmer Moller, ranked 181st, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2. With his victory, Dodig denied the Dane a place in the history books and followed compatriot Luka Mikrut into the list of Braga Open champions. The tournament has now crowned eight different winners in its eight editions.
Matej Dodig battles from a set down to defeat 2024 champion Elmer Moller 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 and win the #BragaOpen — his 3rd #ATPChallenger title, second this year. Top 150 debut coming soon.
Back to back Croatian champions here in Braga (Luka Mikrut in 2025). https://t.co/3iTgPWOJfr
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) October 11, 2026
Moller, 23, had been aiming to secure his fourth Challenger title in Portugal, having previously won the Oeiras Open 125 and the Maia Open in 2025. A triumph in Braga would have seen him draw level with Nuno Marques at the top of the list of the country’s most successful players on the ATP Challenger Tour. The former Portuguese tennis star claimed titles in Madeira and Vilamoura in 1989 before adding victories in the Azores in 1995 and 1996.
The final marked Moller’s first appearance in a Challenger title match since ending last season with victory in Maia. Coincidentally, the Danish player will return to the same city next week for the next stop on the Portuguese Challenger swing.
For Dodig, Sunday’s success was his second title in three finals this season and the third of his career. It will also propel him into the top 150 for the first time when the rankings are updated.
“It was a very difficult match. I wasn’t feeling too good at the beginning, but that was because of him. He is a great player and has an unbelievable backhand. I think it is the best backhand I have ever faced, which makes him a very difficult opponent. I can usually handle almost anyone’s backhand quite well, but today I felt a different kind of pressure. He can change direction so well and is very aggressive. That frustrated me a little, but I managed to stay focused, and changing my approach helped me a lot,” Dodig explained during the post-match press conference.
The Croatian’s tactical adjustment proved decisive. Rather than following his usual pattern of play, he increasingly targeted Moller’s forehand side. He also took advantage of the Dane’s physical struggles. Moller had been pushed to a deciding set in all five of his matches during the week, and Dodig began to pull away after securing the first break of the second set.
Born in Osijek, Dodig celebrated his third ATP Challenger Tour title and his second since returning from an ankle sprain suffered in March 2026. After reaching the final the previous day, he had reflected on how the enforced break had given him “a new perspective” and helped him “enjoy every moment” on tour.
As he bid farewell to Braga, Dodig was full of praise for the host city. “It is an incredible location. The city centre is very, very beautiful, and we had great weather for this time of year. We loved the food and the people, so I know I will remember this week. But now I am looking forward to celebrating with my Croatian friends who are already in Maia.”
The Challenger Tour now moves to Maia for the third of four consecutive tournaments on Portuguese soil.
