BUENOS AIRES/STARNBERG, January 26, 2025
Luisina Giovannini became the first Argentine champion of 2025 on home soil by defeating compatriot Jazmin Ortenzi 6-4, 6-4 in Sunday’s final of the ITF World Tennis Tour W35 Buenos Aires II.
In a warm and festive atmosphere that capped two weeks of international women’s tennis at the Tenis Club Argentino, the 18-year-old from Coronel Moldes, Cordoba, showcased exceptional tennis. Displaying maturity beyond her years, Giovannini controlled the match with poise and authority.
The final began with Giovannini racing to a 5-0 lead. However, Ortenzi staged a spirited comeback, winning four consecutive games before Giovannini managed to close out the first set. In the second set, Giovannini once again surged ahead 3-0, leaving Ortenzi struggling to keep up. Despite narrowing the gap, Ortenzi couldn’t deny Giovannini her well-deserved victory.
Luisina Giovannini es la campeona del W35 Buenos Aires II
Con 18 años, @lulu_giova06 ganó su primer título W35 y 5º ITF @JazOrtenzi cerró dos semanas increíbles alcanzando la final en ambas y así aprovechó los primeros torneos del año en Argentina pic.twitter.com/zeiipzPofl
— Asociación Argentina de Tenis (@AATenis) January 26, 2025
“I’m very happy with how the week turned out. It was very special for me,” Giovannini said. Reflecting on her dramatic first-round victory over Italy’s Nicole Fossa Huergo, the tournament’s second seed, she added: “In the first match, it felt like everything was slipping away, but I kept fighting until the very last point. I think that was the key to being here today. Winning that match made me realize I have the level to beat this type of player, and I knew I could make it this far.”
This title marks the fifth and most significant triumph of Giovannini’s burgeoning career, with all her victories coming on home soil. She previously won the ITF World Tennis Tour W15 tournaments in Cordoba (twice), Neuquen, and Lujan between 2023 and 2024. “Playing in Argentina is very special—it gives you a boost to play in front of your people, with your family and team supporting you every day. That’s what inspires me to give my best in every match,” she explained.
The young star, who debuted for Argentina in the Billie Jean King Cup last year, also reflected on her progress. She noted the differences between this final and her previous encounter with Ortenzi in the opening round of the WTA 125 Argentina Open, where the player from La Rioja won decisively. “I just focused on playing my game. I didn’t think about that match because every match is different. Today, I was able to play well and stick to my game plan. I played freely, with nothing to lose, and that was key,” she said.
With this victory, Giovannini will rise to a career-high WTA Ranking of World No. 462, while Ortenzi will also reach her personal best at No. 248.
