SAO PAULO/STARNBERG, February 3, 2025

Argentina’s Roman Andres Burruchaga secured the most significant title of his career, winning the Brasil Tennis Challenger in a thrilling final on Sunday against his compatriot Facundo Mena. The ATP Challenger Tour clay-court tournament, originally scheduled to take place in Piracicaba, had to be relocated to Sao Paulo due to heavy rain.

In an epic three-set battle played on an indoor court, Burruchaga triumphed 7-6(8), 6-7(6), 7-6(4) after an exhausting three hours and 45 minutes of play.

A Grueling Path to Victory

Burruchaga’s road to the title was physically demanding, spending a total of six hours and 45 minutes on court between the semifinals and the final. Before lifting the trophy, he had to overcome Brazil’s Gustavo Heide in another intense match, 7-5, 3-6, 7-6(0).

A day to remember for Roman Burruchaga

✅ Wins SF and final on the same day
✅ Saves a championship point
✅ Claims his maiden Challenger title #ATPChallenger | @AATenis pic.twitter.com/jP3NL4dsXg

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 2, 2025

With this victory, Burruchaga earned 100 ATP Ranking points and took home $22,730 in prize money. Already a three-time champion on the ITF World Tennis Tour, he now adds an ATP Challenger 100 title to his résumé.

“I’m very happy, even though it was a long day. I had to play two tough three-set matches, but I’m thrilled to win the title. The goal is to keep improving. Now, there’s a big South American swing coming up, and I’ll see where my ranking stands after this title to decide my next tournaments,” said the 22-year-old, son of Jorge Burruchaga, the legendary Argentine footballer who scored the winning goal in the 1986 World Cup final.

Facundo Mena Proud Despite Narrow Defeat

Despite falling short in the final, Facundo Mena, 32, showed remarkable endurance, playing almost six hours of tennis over the weekend.

“I’m happy to start the year like this, reaching a Challenger 100 final in such a tight match where either of us could have won. I even had match point but couldn’t convert it. Still, it was a great match, and I’ve never started a season this well,” Mena reflected.

Orlando Luz & Guido Andreozzi Capture Doubles Crown

The doubles final was just as dramatic, with Brazil’s Orlando Luz and Argentina’s Guido Andreozzi clinching the title in a match tiebreak thriller. They defeated the experienced duo of Marcelo Demoliner and Fernando Romboli 7-6(4), 2-6, 11-9, earning 100 ATP ranking points and a $22,730 prize.

For both Luz and Andreozzi, this was a second Brasil Tennis Challenger title—Luz previously won in 2023, while Andreozzi claimed victory in 2024.

“Winning in Brazil is always special. This tournament is crucial—not just for the points but also for the prize money, since we spend a lot on travel and have few sponsors. I think I’ll now break into the top 60 in the doubles rankings, which is a major milestone in my career,” said Luz, who currently does not have a fixed partner and is hoping for a wildcard entry into the Rio Open.

Meanwhile, Andreozzi, already ranked World No. 57, is now edging closer to his career-best ranking of No. 51.