GUIA DE ISORA/STARNBERG, February 14, 2025
Filip Misolic headlined Friday’s quarterfinals action at the Tenerife Challenger 2 by knocking out top seed Dominik Koepfer from Germany 6-2, 2-6, 7-6(4). The 23-year-old Austrian qualifier withstood five aces and broke his opponent’s serve five times to prevail after two hours and 26 minutes.
Misolic Delivers!
The Austrian is into his first SF since 2023 as he finds a way past Koepfer in three tough sets 6-2, 2-6, 7-6(4)#ATPChallenger | @meftennisevents pic.twitter.com/tczLXA0Xot
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) February 14, 2025
“I am extremely happy,” Misolic said after his fifth win this week at the Abama Tennis Academy in Guia de Isora. “It was a really tough one today. I started pretty well in the first set but in the second he started playing better and I didn’t have the right tactic against him. I was 3-0 down in the third set but kept believing in myself. I had to play every point as it was the last one and it worked out in the end.”
Misolic will next take on Spaniard Daniel Rincon, who emerged victorious from the all-Spanish affair with wild card entry Nicolas Alvarez Varona, winning 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-1 in two hours and 34 minutes.
Carreno Busta remains undefeated in Tenerife
After tasting victory in the first week of the Tenerife Challenger, Pablo Carreno Carreno Busta is eager to repeat his success. Currently ranked World No. 133, the 33-year-old Spaniard could rise to No. 110 if he secures a second title in the Canary Islands.
In the quarterfinals, Carreno Busta comfortably led 6-2, 2-1 before Abdullah Shelbayh was forced to retire. The Jordanian had been struggling with physical issues throughout the tournament but had managed impressive wins over Edas Butvilas and Murkel Dellien Andrade. However, he was unable to continue against Carreno Busta.
“It’s unfortunate to win this way because Abdullah was playing well,” said the No. 3 seed. “After two weeks of competition, we’re all feeling some physical fatigue. That said, I feel I played at a good level before the match ended. Having two days off was a bit strange, but after last week’s effort, I didn’t necessarily need more time on court. Now, my main focus is on my physical condition. Tonight, I’ll analyze my next opponent, Benjamin Hassan, with my team.”
Carreno Busta will next take Benjamin Hassan of Lebanon, who benefited from the retirement of Javier Barranco Cosano of Spain leading 5-4 in the first set.
