MAUTHAUSEN/STARNBERG, May 8, 2022
Jurij Rodionov is the champion of the inaugural Danube Upper Austrian Open. The 22-year-old Austrian defeated Czech Jiri Lehecka, No. 2 seed of the €90,280 ATP Challenger clay-court tournament in Mauthausen, 6-4, 6-4 in Sunday’s singles final.
In front of 500 spectators on Centre Court of the Danubis Tennis Center, Rodionov converted five of his 10 break-point opportunities and secured victory with his fourth ace after one hour and 32 minutes.
That feeling when you triumph on home soil 🙌
Jurij Rodionov is the champion in Mauthausen, becoming the first 🇦🇹 to win an #ATPChallenger title at home in 21 years. pic.twitter.com/iX1Fh6YyOr
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 8, 2022
“I’m overwhelmed and I’m on cloud nine,” said Rodionov. “I’m really happy that I made it. The last three games were mentally really painful. I felt I was close to my goal, but so far away. I’m really happy that I made it. The spectators were incredible, you don’t normally experience that at a Challenger. I am very grateful for this great tournament and the great atmosphere this week.”
Rodionov lifted his fifth Challenger trophy, his second of the season following his triumph in Biel, Switzerland in late March. The lefty, who was born in Nürnberg, has become the first Austrian to win a Challenger event on home soil since Julian Knowle in Graz 2001.
Rodionov took away €12,250 in prize money as well as 100 ATP Ranking points, reaching a new career-high ranking of World No. 130 and will become the new Austrian No. 1.
