GUIA DE ISORA/STARNBERG, February 8, 2025
The ATP Challenger Tour is back in the stunning Canary Islands for two consecutive Tenerife Challenger tournaments, taking place at the prestigious Abama Tennis Academy. Known for its breathtaking coastal views and world-class facilities, the venue once again welcomes rising stars and established professionals competing for valuable ATP ranking points and titles. With a vibrant atmosphere and ideal playing conditions, the Tenerife Challenger series delivers high-level tennis action in one of the most picturesque locations on the Challenger Circuit.
Carreno Busta back in a final
Pablo Carreno Busta headlines the action this week, as the former Top 10 star from Spain has reached his first final since claiming the title of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal, Canada in August 2022. Following wins over Italians Federico Arnaboldi and Giovanni Fonio, as well as No. 6 seed Vilius Gaubas from Lithuania, the third seed from Asturias eased past Pol Martin Tiffon of Spain 6-4, 6-0 on Saturday.
Carreno Busta sent down four aces, saved all nine break points he faced and capitalized on four of his own 11 break-point opportunities to secure victory in one hour and 23 minutes.
Bringing up match points with power and precision@pablocarreno91 prevails over compatriot Martin Tiffon 6-4, 6-0 and will face Moro Canas for the title in Tenerife #ATPChallenger | @meftennisevents pic.twitter.com/LOprm2i2ub
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 8, 2025
“Of course, this isn’t a Masters 1000 final like Montreal, but the level on the Challenger Tour is very good and I am very happy to be here,” said Carreno Busta, whose career was stopped in its tracks by an elbow injury. “Breaking serve early helped me, and then in the second set, I played even better. My tennis is improving day by day and of course I want to win the final tomorrow. That’s my next goal.”
Tenerife: Winter tennis paradise
Carreno Busta hasn’t been in Tenerife for a long time but is glad to be back enjoying the nice weather for playing outdoor tennis. While much of Europe battles cold temperatures and indoor conditions, Tenerife offers players the perfect blend of sunshine, warmth, and stunning natural surroundings. The island’s mild climate and gentle ocean breeze create ideal playing conditions, allowing athletes to train and compete at their best. Beyond the courts, the tremendous landscapes – from volcanic mountains to pristine beaches – provide a refreshing escape and an opportunity to recharge both physically and mentally.
About 16 years ago, the former World No. 10 competed in a sub-18 tournament at the Abama Tennis Academy. Now, Carreno Busta has returned to the largest island of the archipelago and is seeking the title of the Tenerife Challenger.
Moro Canas awaits Carreno Busta
The 33-year-old Gijon native will take on fellow Spaniard Alejandro Moro Canas in the championship match. The No. 5 seed outlasted fourth favourite Henrique Rocha from Portugal 6-2, 6-7(6), 6-0 in two hours and 21 minutes.
“I am very pleased to reach my first final of the season and third of my career,” said Moro Canas. “It’s very special to experience a final at home against another Spaniard, which shows that Spanish tennis is thriving.”
World No. 164 Moro Canas is bidding for his second ATP Challenger Tour career title after lifting the trophy in Rome, Italy in late April last year. Carreno Busta could clinch his 12th Challenger career crown in addition to his seven tour-level trophies. Carreno Busta and Moro Canas will meet for the first time.
Cervantes/Rincon triumph in doubles
Earlier in the day, Inigo Cervantes and Daniel Rincon captured the doubles title. The No. 4 seeds emerged victorious from the all-Spanish final, winning 6-2, 6-4 over wild card entries Nicolas Alvaraz-Varona and Inaki Montes-De-La-Torre in 62 minutes.
Cervantes and Rincon earned their second ATP Challenger Tour team title following their triumph in Tampere, Finland in July last year. They split € 4,540 in prize money and collected 75 ATP Doubles Ranking points.
