TULLN/STARNBERG, September 12, 2026

The final of the NÖ Open powered by EVN is set – and it will feature a clash between two unseeded players. Swiss qualifier Mika Brunold continued his impressive run with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 victory over fourth seed Vitaliy Sachko of Ukraine. In Sunday’s final in Tulln, Brunold will face Brazil’s Joao Lucas Reis da Silva, who produced another highly consistent performance to defeat Argentina’s Alex Barrena 6-2, 6-3 and reach his second ATP Challenger final of the year.

Brunold produced a stunning semifinal performance in front of a well-filled Centre Court in Tulln, Austria. The Swiss qualifier gave Sachko virtually no chance, racing into his first ATP Challenger final with a convincing 6-0, 6-2 victory.

Brunold was fully focused from the opening point and immediately imposed his game on the match. Precise as a Swiss watch, yet versatile and constantly coming up with unexpected solutions, the 21-year-old gave his opponent no opportunity to find his rhythm. Sachko, who prefers fast and flat exchanges, struggled to find a way to disrupt Brunold’s game. After just 20 minutes, Brunold sealed the opening set with an impressive backhand down-the-line winner.

Aiming high in Tulln 🙌

Mika Brunold storms past Sachko 6-0, 6-2 and will face Reis da Silva for his first career ATP Challenger title#ATPChallenger | @swiss_tennis pic.twitter.com/oKu6vEmduR

— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) September 12, 2026

“I was very well prepared and really tried to give everything and get the maximum out of every point. That worked very well,” Brunold explained.

His tactical plan also worked perfectly. “I knew that he likes to play flat balls. So I tried to vary the height and also mix in some higher balls. Especially in the first set, he couldn’t find any rhythm because of that.”

Sachko found his way into the second set better and immediately created several break opportunities. Brunold saved them both before getting his momentum going again. With his unconventional and varied style, he kept Sachko under constant pressure and made the most of his opportunities. After just 71 minutes, Brunold converted his first match point to complete the 6-0, 6-2 victory.

“It’s my first Challenger final. I’m very happy with my performance today,” Brunold said. However, he was reluctant to describe it as a perfect day on court.

“There is no such thing as a perfect day. There are always many things I can do better. But I fought for every point and tried to give my best every time.”

Brunold’s remarkable run in Tulln is also reflected in the ATP rankings. Having started the tournament at No. 410 in the world, he has already climbed to No. 326 in the live rankings ahead of the final. After two qualifying victories and four wins in the main draw, the Swiss has now won six matches in the space of one week.

And Brunold had already announced early in the tournament that he intended to stay until Sunday – with a little help from a fortune cookie.

“Before I opened it, I told my coach: Whatever it says inside applies to this week.” The message read: “Nothing will stop you, you’ll win.”

Reis da Silva continues impressive run

In the second semifinal, Joao Lucas Reis da Silva once again confirmed the strong form that has carried him through the entire week in Tulln. The Brazilian was extremely solid from the start against Barrena, consistently producing deep, penetrating shots and taking advantage of the Argentine frequently positioning himself well behind the baseline.

Reis da Silva dictated numerous rallies and had little trouble controlling the opening set. He also made the better start to the second, breaking Barrena early. Although the Argentine immediately recovered the break, Reis da Silva did not allow himself to be disrupted. He increased the pressure again, secured another break and maintained his high level of consistency until the final point to complete a 6-2, 6-3 victory.

“It feels really good. I’m very happy because it’s my second final this year, and the past few months, with many ups and downs, haven’t been easy,” Reis da Silva said.

Before arriving in Tulln, the Brazilian had lost in the opening round at five consecutive tournaments.

“That’s the beauty of tennis: every week you get a new chance. Here, I just thought from match to match and kept improving my level.”

Reis da Silva identified the combination of consistency and aggression as the key to beating Barrena.

“Alex is a very good competitor and incredibly solid. So I didn’t want to give him any easy points and then tried to be aggressive myself. Once I got the first break, I was able to play a little more freely.”

Ahead of Sunday’s final against Brunold, scheduled for September 13, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. local time, the Brazilian has plenty of respect for his opponent.

“Mika is playing very good tennis at the moment. He is a very good player, plays aggressively, comes through qualifying and has already beaten many strong opponents here. I expect a big fight.”

For now, however, Reis da Silva was not yet thinking too much about the final.

“Now I’m going to enjoy this moment with my team first. You don’t get a feeling like this every week.”