Duke Ajdukovic: A triumph that leaves its mark

14.08.2025

RNA Editorial.

Croatian Duke Ajdukovic made history at the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar by becoming champion in the 2024 edition. The tournament, held for another year at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar , crowned the young 23-year-old Ajdukovic. The Croatian demonstrated remarkable competitive maturity, displaying solid tennis that allowed him to win a tournament marked by excitement and the unconditional support of the Balearic public.

Ajdukovic, que partía entre los favoritos al título, mostró desde el inicio del campeonato una regularidad sobresaliente. Su potente servicio, combinado con un juego agresivo desde el fondo de la pista, lo convirtió en un rival prácticamente imbatible. El croata fue derribando rivales ronda tras ronda y en el camino hasta la decisiva ronda apenas se dejó un set y derrotó, entre otros, a Marin Cilic, todo un campeón de US Open.

La final fue un fiel reflejo de su carácter competitivo. Ajdukovic impuso su ritmo ante un rival de alto nivel, demostrando no solo potencia sino también inteligencia. El croata supo darle la vuelta a una durísima final. En una apretada batalla por el título, y ante una pista central abarrotada, el jugador croata se impuso a Matteo Gigante en un duelo en el que tuvo que remontar el marcador para imponerse por 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Su triunfo en la isla no es un título más en su carrera, sino la confirmación de que es uno de los nombres a seguir en el circuito ATP Challenger.

Seis ediciones, seis campeones diferentes

De esta manera Duje Ajdukovic inscribe su nombre en un palmarés en el que ya figuraban grandes nombres como el australiano Bernard Tomic (2018), el finés Emil Ruusuvuori (2019), el eslovaco Luckas Lacko (2021), el italiano Luca Nardi (2022) y el serbio Hamad Medjedovic (2023).

El Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar, consolidado ya como una de las citas más relevantes del verano europeo en el circuito Challenger, volvió a ofrecer una semana de tenis de altísimo nivel. La Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, con un ambiente que combina profesionalidad y cercanía, es el escenario perfecto para que jóvenes promesas y jugadores consolidados busquen dar un paso más en sus carreras.

In the 2024 edition, the tournament featured the presence of notable figures such as Marin Cilic , former world number 3 and US Open champion, whose participation brought additional prestige to the main draw, as did that of former world top fifteen player, Briton Kyle Edmund . In addition, there was room for big surprises, such as Uzbekistan’s Khumoyun Sultanov, who from the qualifying phase put in a memorable performance, reaching the semi-finals, where he lost to champion Ajdukovic.

What never fails in this competition is the massive response from the fans. More than 10,000 people passed through the stands during the tournament week , creating a vibrant atmosphere that players like Ajdukovic were quick to highlight. The Croatian acknowledged after his victory the importance of the support of the Mallorcan public, which he described as “special and passionate.”

With this title, the Croatian not only took home an important trophy, but also took a decisive step in his career. A victory that leaves its mark. The seventh edition of the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar in 2025 is here. A tournament in an idyllic setting that gains more importance on the world tennis calendar every year. Will Duke defend his crown? Will there be a seventh different champion? Will the first Spanish victory come? The answer is just around the corner. Enjoy the show.