GUIA DE ISORA/STARNBERG, February 6, 2025
In one of the most thrilling matches of the season, Lithuanian Vilius Gaubas staged an incredible comeback from a 0-5 deficit in the third set to secure a second-round victory at the Tenerife Challenger. The hard-court tournament, organized by MEF Tennis Events and sponsored by Tenerife Tourism, witnessed Gaubas’ spectacular turnaround on Center Court of the Abama Tennis Academy.
His opponent, Spanish qualifier Nicolas Alvarez Varona, seemed to be in complete control before Gaubas mounted his dramatic fightback, ultimately winning 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(4) after two hours and 54 minutes on Thursday afternoon.
0-5 DOWN IN THE FINAL SET
Vilius Gaubas delivers an INCREDIBLE comeback, saving six match points to defeat Alvarez Varona 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(4) and reach the quarterfinals in Tenerife#ATPChallenger | @meftennisevents pic.twitter.com/3vkVILDp1O
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 6, 2025
“When did I start believing I could win? I honestly don’t know (laughs). I was down 4-0 in the third set and just tried to regain my rhythm. It worked so well that I managed to come back and win,” said Gaubas, who saved six match points.
Fresh from competing in the Davis Cup over the weekend, the 2004-born Lithuanian arrived in Tenerife on Wednesday. His first-round match was scheduled for the previous day, but he advanced without playing due to Giulio Zeppieri’s withdrawal.
Gaubas will face former World No. 10 Pablo Carreno Busta in the quarterfinals.
“The preseason preparation paid off, and I’m happy because I found the energy to keep fighting until the end. Now, I look forward to facing Carreno Busta in the quarterfinals. I expect a great match and will try to enjoy the experience while doing my best,” Gaubas added.
Monday masters Koepfer
Another major story of the day was Britain’s Johannus Monday, who pulled off a upset by defeating the tournament’s top seed, Dominik Koepfer, in a gripping 3-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(4) encounter. A product of the University of Tennessee, the 23-year-old from Hull has recently transitioned into the professional circuit. This marks his second ATP Challenger Tour quarterfinal appearance, following his semifinal run at Knoxville last year.
THURSDAY RESULTS
Singles – Second Round
Johannus Monday b. Dominik Koepfer (1) 3-6 7-6(4) 7-6(4)
Pol Martin Tiffon b. Javier Barranco Cosano 6-2 6-4
Vilius Gaubas (6) b. Nicolas Alvarez Varona (Q) 4-6 6-4 7-6(4)
Henrique Rocha (4) b. Edas Butvilas 6-4 7-5
