ROSARIO/STARNBERG, February 9, 2025
The first edition of the YPF Rosario Challenger, the most significant ATP Challenger Tour event in Argentina, will be decided between Camilo Ugo Carabelli and Hugo Dellien, who secured victories over Murkel Dellien of Bolivia and top-seeded Argentine Sebastian Baez , respectively.
Ugo Carabelli and Murkel Dellien once again found themselves in a three-set battle, as had been the case in their previous rounds. Despite an early break deficit, the 25-year-old Argentine managed two breaks of his own, securing a 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory. This marks his seventh win in eight head-to-head meetings and confirms his return to the Top 100, as he now stands at World No. 98 in the live rankings.
Thriving on home soil @camilougo marches into the final in Rosario, taking down Murkel Dellien 6-3, 3-6, 6-3! #ATPChallenger | @rosariochall pic.twitter.com/Ch1PcG8DfH
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 8, 2025
“It was a really tough match. In the last ten tournaments, we’ve faced each other five times; Murkel is a very difficult opponent. I’m happy to be in a final again, especially in Argentina. I wasn’t in the best physical condition last week, so I didn’t expect this,” Ugo Carabelli shared in his press conference.
He will be aiming for his eighth ATP Challenger career title on Sunday. “Last year was incredible for me; I was the player with the most wins at this level worldwide. I work a lot with my psychologist, mental coach, and practice yoga four times a week. I battle my demons and now live for tennis,” he explained, highlighting the key to his consistent form in 2024.
Meanwhile, Hugo Dellien overcame a resilient Baez in a dramatic tiebreak, clinching his eighth match point after over two hours of play to book his spot in the final. This victory marks the second-best win of the 31-year-old Bolivian’s career and just his third against a Top 50 player, following wins over Gilles Simon (Madrid 2019, then ranked No. 29) and Holger Rune (Rome Qualifying 2022, then ranked No. 42).
“I always played defensively against him and couldn’t beat him, so I talked with my coach (Andrés ‘El Gringo’ Schneiter) about going shot-for-shot, and it worked. I feel very comfortable with my serve and forehand; they were key to the win,” Dellien remarked after securing his first victory over Baez in their four encounters.
Sunday’s final will be the sixth meeting between Ugo Carabelli and Dellien, with the Argentine holding a 3-2 advantage. Their most recent clash took place in the second round of Argentina Open qualifying earlier this year, where Ugo Carabelli staged an impressive comeback to win.
Demoliner/Romboli take doubles title
The day concluded with the doubles final, where Brazilians Marcelo Demoliner and Fernando Romboli triumphed over Guido Andreozzi of Argentina and Frenchman Theo Arribage 7-5, 6-3 to claim the inaugural championship.
“I’m very happy to start the tour this way. Congratulations to everyone involved in organizing this tournament in its first edition,” Demoliner said after securing his 23rd ATP Challenger doubles title. His partner, Romboli, now holds 21 Challenger doubles crowns. It was their first team title.
¡Marcelo Demoliner y Fernando Romboli se consagraron campeones de dobles en Rosario!
Se impusieron 7-5 y 6-3 ante Andreozzi / Arribage y ganaron juntos su primer título Challenger pic.twitter.com/Wj29l6RoqC
— Rosario Challenger (@rosariochall) February 9, 2025
