{"id":50866,"date":"2026-08-27T07:46:44","date_gmt":"2026-08-27T07:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rafanadalacademy.com\/sin-categorizar\/the-magnificent-seven-of-the-rafa-nadal-open-by-movistar\/"},"modified":"2026-08-27T07:54:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T07:54:10","slug":"the-magnificent-seven-of-the-rafa-nadal-open-by-movistar","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rafanadalacademy.com\/en\/news\/the-magnificent-seven-of-the-rafa-nadal-open-by-movistar\/","title":{"rendered":"The magnificent seven of the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Seven editions, seven champions. Since its launch in 2018, the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar has built a roll of honour as diverse as it is revealing of the tournament\u2019s role on the ATP Challenger Tour. At the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, the trophy has been lifted by rising young talents ready to take the next step on tour, established players looking to regain confidence, and seasoned competitors with more than enough experience to make the difference over the course of a demanding week. <\/p>\n\n

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Seven editions later, the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar can boast seven different champions. Seven names that are now part of its history. Ladies and gentlemen, meet the magnificent seven of the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar. <\/p>\n\n

2018 \u2013 Bernard Tomic: the first champion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The inaugural edition of the tournament crowned Australia\u2019s Bernard Tomic, a proven talent who drew on his experience to prevail in a tightly contested final against Germany\u2019s Matthias Bachinger. Tomic came from behind to win 4-6, 6-3, 7-6, becoming the first name on the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar roll of honour. On his way to the title, he defeated players including Mario Vilella, Pedro Cach\u00edn and Norbert Gombos, setting the bar high in the tournament\u2019s debut edition. <\/p>\n\n

2019 \u2013 Emil Ruusuvuori: the Finnish whirlwind<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

A year later, the trophy headed to Finland courtesy of Emil Ruusuvuori. The young Finn produced a dominant performance in the final against Matteo Viola, defeating him 6-0, 6-1. That edition was also memorable for the presence of Andy Murray, who was in the midst of his return to competition, and for the participation of a very young Carlos Alcaraz, who was already beginning to show glimpses of the player he would become. <\/p>\n\n

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2021 \u2013 Lucas Lacko: experience pays off<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Following the 2020 hiatus due to the pandemic, the Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar returned in 2021 with a thrilling final. Slovakia\u2019s Lucas Lacko, a seasoned tour veteran, called on all his experience to overcome Japan\u2019s Yasutaka Uchiyama 5-7, 7-6, 6-1. His triumph in Manacor carried special significance: it was the final Challenger title of his career, a victory that rewarded his resilience, longevity and ability to compete until the very end. <\/p>\n\n

2022 \u2013 Luca Nardi: youthful composure<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Italy\u2019s Luca Nardi confirmed his growing confidence and ambition in Manacor. In a closely fought final against Zizou Bergs, Nardi showed impressive competitive maturity to prevail 7-6, 3-6, 7-5. It was his third Challenger title of the year and further cemented his status as a player to watch. In Mallorca, he made it clear that his talent was matched by the character required to come through the most demanding matches. <\/p>\n\n

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Bernard Tomic, Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar 2018 Champion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Emil Ruusuvuori, Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar 2019 Champion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Lukas Lacko, Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar 2021 Champion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Luca Nardi, Rafa Nadal Open 2022 Champion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Hamad Medjedovic, Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar 2023 Champion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Duje Ajdukovi\u0107, Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar 2024 Champion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Dani Rinc\u00f3n, Rafa Nadal Open by Movistar 2025 Champion<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n
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2023 \u2013 Hamad Medjedovic: a rising star<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

Serbia\u2019s Hamad Medjedovic was crowned champion of the fifth edition after defeating France\u2019s Harold Mayot 6-2, 4-6, 6-2. His triumph at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar was much more than just another title: it foreshadowed a superb end to the season, culminating in his victory at the ATP Next Gen Finals. In Manacor, he confirmed his status as one of the tour\u2019s most exciting prospects and added his name to a list of champions with international pedigree. <\/p>\n\n

2024 \u2013 Duje Ajdukovi\u0107: a Croatian triumph<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The sixth edition had a distinctly Croatian flavour. Duje Ajdukovi\u0107 lifted the trophy after a thrilling final against Italy\u2019s Matteo Gigante, coming from behind to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. His week was particularly significant because, on his way to the title, he defeated fellow Croatian Marin Cilic, the 2014 US Open champion and one of the biggest names ever to compete at the tournament. In Manacor, Ajdukovi\u0107 secured a prestigious victory that helped further establish him on the tour. <\/p>\n\n

2025 \u2013 Daniel Rinc\u00f3n: a homegrown champion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

The seventh edition delivered a particularly special story for the tournament. Daniel Rinc\u00f3n, a player developed at the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar, became champion in Manacor after an unforgettable week. His triumph carried unique significance: not only did he lift the trophy on home soil, but he did so at the very place he first arrived in 2019 as a young boy and where he has built much of his journey as a player. <\/p>\n\n

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