PORTO, August 1, 2023
The ATP Challenger Tour is back in Portugal this week for the third edition of the Porto Open. Porto, with its picturesque charm and rich cultural heritage, is playing a delightful host to the event. As one of Portugal’s most renowned cities, Porto’s love for tennis is evident, and the ATP Challenger 125 tournament only adds to the city’s sporting appeal.
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The Complexo Desportivo do Monte Aventino, situated on a hill, offers a beautiful view over Porto. The city’s blend of ancient architecture, vibrant colors, and cobbled streets provides a captivating backdrop for the tennis action. With the picturesque Douro River flowing through the city and historic landmarks such as the Dom Luis I Bridge and Ribeira district, Porto offers a unique and enchanting setting for the hard-court event.
The ATP Challenger in Porto not only brings professional tennis to the forefront but also serves as an opportunity for emerging talents to shine. For young Portuguese players, the tournament is a chance to gain exposure and valuable experience competing against established international competitors.
Rocha notches first match win at Challenger level
One of them in Henrique Rocha, who celebrated his first main draw match win at Challenger level on Tueday evening. The 19-year-old Porto native battled past Latvian qualifier Robert Strombachs 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in a topsy-turvy firs-round encounter.
Rocha was a break and set up before Strombachs fought back to earn a 3-1 lead in the final set. Supported by an enthusiastic crowd on Center Court, the local teenager, however, managed to turn the match round again and secured victory in two hours and 13 minutes.
On home turf 🇵🇹
19-year old Henrique Rocha defeats Strombachs 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 in Porto to claim his first #ATPChallenger main draw win pic.twitter.com/gSNgYezqqW
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) August 1, 2023
The World No. 380, who captured his first three titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour this season and joins his compatriots João Sousa, Jaime Faria, Gonçalo Oliveira, as well as Gastão Elias in the second round.
In the quest for a spot in the quarterfinals, Rocha will face World No. 262 Steven Diez of Canada, who caused an upset by defeating second-seeded Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi, 6-4, 6-4.
