On March 29th, 2025, history was made as Badminton Zadar proudly participated in the prestigious ADA Varaždin Open for the first time. Held at the vibrant Varaždin Arena, the tournament brought together 302 skilled players competing across four categories and five disciplines: Men’s Singles (MS), Women’s Singles (WS), Men’s Doubles (MD), Women’s Doubles (WD), and Mixed Doubles (XD). Representing Badminton Zadar were four dedicated players who showcased not only their skills but also the club’s promising progress in competitive badminton.
Among the standout performers was Vanessa Feydel, who made a remarkable impact in the Women’s Singles (WS) category. Vanessa’s journey to a bronze medal was nothing short of inspiring. Despite a tough start in the group stage, she demonstrated unwavering resilience by securing crucial victories against higher-seeded opponents, including Ivana Radovan. Her quarterfinal win over Suzana Bensa was a testament to her determination, and while her run ended in the semifinals against Ines Lončar, Vanessa’s achievement marked a historic milestone for Badminton Zadar.
The tournament also saw commendable efforts from Petra Maričić, who excelled in doubles play. Partnering with Filip Knežević in Mixed Doubles and Ana Grginovic in Women’s Doubles, Petra came tantalizingly close to advancing to the main draw in both categories, missing out by just a few points. Her performances highlighted the fierce competition and the importance of every rally in high-stakes matches.
Ana Grginovic displayed her versatility across categories, competing with determination in both Mixed Doubles and Women’s Doubles. While she faced challenges in Mixed Doubles, Ana showcased her potential and fighting spirit in Women’s Doubles, setting the stage for future successes.
Timour Valette, representing Badminton Zadar in Men’s Singles and Men’s Doubles, put up a balanced performance. His progression to the quarterfinals in Men’s Singles, following notable victories against strong opponents, reflected his skill and competitive spirit. In Men’s Doubles, he partnered with Zdenko Jukić, securing a group-stage win against tough competition.
Overall, the ADA Varaždin Open 2025 was a monumental step forward for Badminton Zadar, proving that the club is on the rise in the Croatian badminton scene. The players’ dedication, resilience, and sportsmanship were on full display, with Vanessa Feydel’s bronze medal serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the club’s future. As Badminton Zadar looks ahead, the experience and lessons gained from this tournament will undoubtedly fuel the club’s continued progress and success.
Congratulations to all the players, and wishes to even greater achievements in the seasons to come! 🎉🏸
All match results are avalilable online at TournamentSoftware
