SKOPJE/STARNBERG, May 25, 2024
Austrian teenager Joel Schwaerzler emerged as the champion of the 2024 Macedonian Open, defeating Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak in the Saturday’s final with a straight-sets victory, 6-3, 6-3. The 18-year-old captured his maiden title on the Pro Circuit in his only fifth main draw appearance on the ATP Challenger Tour.
Schwaerzler withstood five aces and broke Majchrzak’s serve four times to succeed in one hour and 21 minutes.
TEENAGE DREAMIN’ ☁️
18-year-old Joel Schwaerzler locks down his maiden Challenger title in just his fifth Challenger main draw appearance#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/YcO0Dw39Si
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 25, 2024
The current Junior World No. 1 battled his way into the championship match of the ATP Challenger Tour 50 clay-court tournament with wins in the bottom half of the draw over qualifier Serfey Fomin from Uzbekistan, No. 2 seed Ergi Kirkin, Andrew Paulson from the Czech Republic and Korean Gerard Campana Lee.
“Congratulations to everyone involved in organizing the tournament. This was an excellent week for me, and I played a great tournament. I am very satisfied with my performance. This is a significant achievement for me, and winning my first Challenger title makes me extremely happy,” said Schwaerzler, who earned 75 ATP Ranking points as well as €10,200 in prize money. Finalist Majchrzak received 44 Ranking points and a prize purse of €6,015.
The Macedonian Open was held at the Tennis Club “Jug” in Skopje. The vibrant capital of North Macedonia, is a city rich in history and culture. Nestled along the banks of the Vardar River, Skopje seamlessly blends its storied past with modern developments.
The city’s landmarks include the iconic Stone Bridge, which dates back to the Ottoman Empire, and the grand Skopje Fortress, offering panoramic views of the city. The bustling Old Bazaar is a testament to Skopje’s diverse heritage, where cobbled streets lead to traditional crafts shops, mosques, and historic inns.
Modern Skopje is characterized by its lively squares, contemporary architecture, and the impressive “Warrior on a Horse” statue in Macedonia Square. With its unique blend of old and new, Skopje offers a compelling destination for travelers seeking to experience the heart of North Macedonia.
