Nina Mittelham and Benedikt Duda secured the mixed doubles title at the European Table Tennis Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia, winning in 3:2 sets and saving four match points in a dramatic final against France’s Alexis Lebrun and Charlotte Lutz.
Final Thriller in Ljubljana
The German pair claimed the opening and third sets before battling through a tense deciding fifth frame that finished 17–15 in their favor. Mittelham expressed relief and disbelief following the grueling encounter, noting that the contest truly had no deserving loser. Duda described the championship match as a mental battle.
Historical Context for German Mixed Doubles
This victory marks the fifth time in European Championships history that a pair with German participation has captured the title in mixed doubles. Mittelham, a 29-year-old representing TTC Eastside Berlin, previously won the tournament in 2021 alongside partner Dang Qiu. For Duda, the triumph adds another milestone at 32 years of age.
Dual Medals and Upcoming Singles Quarterfinals
Beyond their mixed doubles gold, both European champions remain active in the individual tournament brackets in Ljubljana. Mittelham advanced to face Romania’s Bernadette Szöcs in the women’s singles quarterfinals on Saturday. Duda advanced to the men’s singles quarterfinals to square off against France’s Leo De Nodrest. In addition to her mixed success, Mittelham secured a bronze medal in the women’s doubles event alongside Annett Kaufmann.
Unresolved Questions in the Singles Draw
Whether Mittelham and Duda can sustain their momentum against Szöcs and De Nodrest in Saturday’s round of the last eight stands as the immediate question for the remainder of the Slovenian championships.
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