MERIDA/STARNBERG, March 24, 2025
Felipe Meligeni Alves claimed the title of the Yucatan Open after a hard-fought victory against Argentina’s Juan Pablo Ficovich in an intense and emotional final. The championship match took place on Sunday at the Lorenzo Molina Casares Stadium Court of Club Campestre, bringing an exciting week of high-level tennis at the ATP Challenger Tour clay-court event in Merida, Mexico to a close.
Many fans in attendance were rooting for third-seeded Ficovich, who had now reached the final in both editions of the tournament. However, it was Meligeni who shattered the Argentine’s hopes, securing a 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 victory in a battle that lasted one hour and 43 minutes. Meligeni Alves capitalized on five of his eight break-point chances and won 54 per cent of the total points played.
@FelipeMeligeni claims his first title since 2023, defeating Ficovich 6-2, 1-6, 6-2 in Merida#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/Fy8zE7CNDL
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) March 24, 2025
“Fico, two finals in three weeks—you’ve been playing great tennis,” Meligeni Alves said during the trophy ceremony. “Congratulations to you and your team. I know this isn’t the result you wanted, but I played at a high level today, and it was an honor to share this final with you.”
The No. 4 seed also expressed his gratitude to the enthusiastic crowd that cheered throughout the week. “It’s been a long time since I last played here—I came as a junior, so returning and winning this tournament is very special. It had also been a while since I won a Challenger title, so I’m really happy,” he added.
Meligeni Alves claimed his fourth ATP Challenger Tour career title, his first of the season. The 27-year-old collected $14,200 as well as 75 ATP Ranking points.
The second edition of the Yucatan Open offered a total prize pool of $100,000 and was hosted by the Club Campestre Yucatan Merida
Mérida, the vibrant capital of Yucatan, Mexico, is a city rich in history, culture, and colonial charm. Known as the “White City”, Merida boasts stunning Spanish colonial architecture, colorful streets, and a lively atmosphere. It is a gateway to Mayan heritage, with nearby archaeological sites like Chichen Itza and Uxmal.
The city is famous for its delicious Yucatecan cuisine, including cochinita pibil, panuchos, and sopa de lima, as well as its thriving arts and music scene. Visitors can explore Paseo de Montejo, a boulevard lined with elegant mansions, or enjoy the traditional Jarana dance in the city’s main square.
With its warm hospitality, rich traditions, and cultural festivals, Merida is a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic Mexican experience.
