CHIASSO, April 27, 2025
From the very first point of the week to the last, Julia Grabher’s dominance at the Axion Open was never in question. The 28-year-old Austrian, a former World No. 54, etched her name into the tournament’s record books by winning the 13th edition of the ITF World Tennis Tour W75 event in the best possible final. Despite the high level of her opponent, Grabher proved to be a class above, defeating Ukraine’s Katarina Zavatska 6-1, 6-2.
Zavatska had made an impressive run from the qualifying rounds all the way to the final. A packed Tennis Club Chiasso provided a fitting backdrop for the climax of the clay-court tournament in Chiasso, which offered $60,000 in prize money and hospitality.
Without dropping a single set all week, Grabher claimed the Axion Open title in commanding fashion. After returning to competition in mid-2023 following two wrist surgeries, Grabher has been climbing the rankings with authority. Having already won titles in Santa Margherita di Pula and Koper, her victory in Chiasso marks her third consecutive title and extends her winning streak to 17 matches. As of Monday, she will be ranked World No. 187.
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Despite the defeat, Zavatska also has every reason to be proud. Starting from the qualifiers, she fought her way to the final.
“I believe I played some really high-level tennis, and I’m very happy to have shown what I’m capable of,” said Zavatska. “Next week, I’ll play in Wiesbaden. I no longer have a protected ranking, so I’m hoping to make it back into the Top 100 soon. I remember my first appearances here in Chiasso, and to reach the final many years later makes me reflect on my journey.” The next few months will be crucial for Grabher, who, with her solid game, has shown she belongs at the highest levels of the sport.
“The quality of this year’s draw was outstanding, as reflected by the level of the two finalists. It really couldn’t have gone better,” said Matteo Mangiacavalli, Tournament Director of the Axion Open. The driving force behind the now 13-year-old event, Mangiacavalli expressed his satisfaction with how the week unfolded: “It was a challenging edition to organize, especially ensuring the players’ hospitality, but we rose to the occasion. The passion and dedication of the TC Chiasso team are what define the Axion Open. Our goal is to make the players feel at home, and if we can make their stay more enjoyable, we are happy. The feedback we received has been extremely gratifying.”
