LÜDENSCHEID/STARNBERG, August 6, 2023
Duje Ajdukovic has claimed his first ATP Challenger Tour title after an extraordinary run from the qualifying rounds all the way to the final of the third edition of the Platzmann Open in Lüdenscheid, Germany. The 22-year-old Croatian defeated eighth-seeded Bolivian Hugo Dellien 7-5, 6-4 in Saturday’s singles final.
Ajdukovic showcased incredible form and resilience throughout the €118,000 clay-court tournament, as the battled his way through the top half of the main draw with wins over fifth seed Maximilian Marterer of Germany, Oriol Roca Batalla from Spain, home favourite Rudolf Molleker and sixth-seeded Italian Raul Brancaccio.
The World No. 301 sent down six aces in the championship match and broke Dellien’s serve four times to secure victory in one hour and 31 minutes.
🏆 🇭🇷
Duje Ajdukovic claims his maiden Challenger title, defeating Dellien 7-5, 6-4 in Luedenscheid!#ATPChallenger | @hts_sluzbeni pic.twitter.com/1wtQrshnZe
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) August 5, 2023
“It has been the week of my life,” Ajdukovic said. “I am so happy. I can’t believe I just won my first title.”
Following seven title wins on the ITF Pro Circuit, the Split native lifted his maiden Challenger trophy and pocketed €16,020 in prize money as well as 100 ATP Ranking points.
