GUIA DE ISORA/STARNBERG, February 9, 2025
Pablo Carreno Busta marked a triumphant return to the winners’ circle by capturing the Tenerife Challenger title, his first tournament victory since lifting the trophy of the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal, Canada in August 2022. The former World No. 10 from Spain showcased his trademark resilience and consistency throughout the week, securing a confidence boost in his comeback journey.
Dream run in “Tennis Paradise”
Held on the stunning Canary Island of Tenerife, the ATP Challenger Tour 75 hard-court event provided the perfect setting for the 33-year-old Asturias native to rediscover his winning form. The picturesque coastal venue, with its warm climate and ideal playing conditions, set the stage for an exciting week of tennis.
After battling past Italians Federico Arnaboldi and Giovanni Fonio, as well as Vilius Gaubas from Lithuania and Spaniard Pol Martin Tiffon, Carreno Busta delivered a commanding performance in Sunday’s singles final, winning 6-3, 6-2 over his fifth-seeded compatriot Alejandro Moro Canas.
In front of an enthusiastic crowd at the Abama Tennis Academy in Guía de Isora, Carreno Busta saved all three break points he faced and converted three of his own five break-point opportunities to prevail after one hour and 23 minutes.
Victorious in Tenerife @pablocarreno91 with a dominant performance against Moro Canas 6-3, 6-2 to claim his first Challenger crown since 2015 #ATPChallenger | @meftennisevents pic.twitter.com/BA60lARhjX
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 9, 2025
“Of course, this was very emotional today, as it has been a long time that I played a final,” the World No. 149 said. “It was an amazing week. I felt very comfortable here with my family attending the matches. I think this is one of the best places to play tennis in Spain and also in the world.”
With new team, back to old strength
With this victory, the Spaniard takes a significant step forward in his return from an elbow injury and aims to build momentum for the rest of the year. With the start of the new season, Carreno Busta navigated significant changes to his team. After a long partnership with Samuel Lopez – who has now joined Carlos Alcaraz’s camp – the Gijon native left Villena and returned to Barcelona, where his professional tennis journey first began. At the Tennis Empowerment Center, he aims to rediscover the level of play that once propelled him into the Top 10. Now guided by Victor Lopez Moron, Carreno Busta has made a notable step forward in Tenerife.
“I am glad to know that I am able to play at this level. My confidence is growing by winning these kinds of tournaments,” Carreno Busta said.
By capturing his 12th ATP Challenger Tour career title, his first since 2015, he earned € 12,980 in prize money as well as 75 ATP Ranking points. Carreno Busta’s journey in Tenerife is not over yet. The seven-time tour-level champion will also compete in next week’s Tenerife Challenger 2. Again, as the tournament’s No. 3 seed, he will start his campaign against Chinese alternate Jie Cui.
