BRATISLAVA/STARNBERG, November 8, 2026

Jurij Rodionov captured the singles title at the J&T Banka Slovak Open 2026, defeating Switzerland’s Jerome Kym 6-2, 6-1 in Sunday’s final. The 27-year-old Austrian, born in Nuremberg, needed just 69 minutes to seal victory and turn his fourth final appearance of the season into his first trophy of the year. It was also the ninth ATP Challenger title of his career.

Rodionov took control of the opening set with a crucial break for a 4-2 lead. He consolidated the advantage before breaking Kym once more to close out the set 6-2. The Austrian carried his momentum into the second set, racing to a 4-0 lead before comfortably completing the victory.

With his triumph, Rodionov became only the second Austrian player to win the Slovak Open. Dennis Novak was the first, lifting the trophy in 2019.

Rodionov reigns supreme in Bratislava👑

A ruthless 6-2, 6-1 victory over Kym seals his first Challenger crown of the season!

#ATPChallenger https://t.co/8PLUxOdmpn

— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) November 8, 2026

“It was a very good match from my side. The score could have been closer, and I was a little lucky at certain moments, especially in the second set. I managed to win all the tight games and turn them in my favour. I am very happy that I played my best tennis in the final,” Rodionov said after his victory.

“It means a lot to win here. I had already played three finals this year and lost them all, so I am very happy to be going home as the champion. The Bratislava tournament had a very strong field, which makes this title even more special.”

The Austrian also has a personal connection to the Slovak capital, having spent considerable time training there as a teenager.

“When I was a teenager, I trained a lot in Bratislava. I have many friends here, I know the city and the country, and I always feel very comfortable here. I also live in Vienna, so it is very close to home,” he explained.

The title has also given Rodionov a timely confidence boost as he continues his push for a place in the Australian Open main draw.

“Winning this tournament has helped me. I feel more confident now. I am still fighting for a place in the Australian Open main draw and need one more tournament victory. Next week I will play in Orleans, followed by Helsinki. I hope I can keep this momentum going. After a week like this, I believe anything is possible,” he added.

For runner-up Kym, the final proved a difficult afternoon. The 23-year-old Swiss acknowledged Rodionov’s superior performance while reflecting positively on his own tournament.

“It wasn’t a good performance from my side today. However, my opponent played really well, and I congratulate him on a great week. I had also played well in my previous matches here. After all, losing in a final is always better than losing in the first round,” Kym said.

He also thanked the spectators, organisers, ball kids and everyone involved in staging the tournament.