TUCAMAN/STARNBERG, April 28, 2025
Argentine Alex Barrena was crowned champion of the AAT Challenger Santander Tucuman, defeating fellow countryman Santiago Rodriguez Taverna in straight sets, 7-5, 6-2.
Sunday morning in San Miguel de Tucuman started with moderate rain, which delayed the start of the match. Thanks to the tireless efforts of the groundskeepers at the Tucumán Lawn Tennis Club, the final between the two Argentines was eventually played.
Barrena, a 22-year-old from Buenos Aires, enjoyed the best week of his professional career, capturing his first ATP Challenger title. In the final, he showed great composure and confidence in his shots to overcome Rodriguez Taverna, who had recently won the ITF World Tennis Tour M25 tournament in Chacabuco.
A moment Alex Barrena will never forget
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— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) April 27, 2025
Holding the trophy with emotion, Barrena said: “It was a dream week. I’ve been through some very tough moments, but I was able to showcase my best tennis, and that’s what makes me so happy.” The new champion impressively closed out his quarterfinal, semifinal, and final matches with an ace. “The serve is really important, especially relying on the legs and staying loose in the upper body. In key moments, I feel confident going for it, and that’s a great advantage.”
Speaking about his opponent, Barrena added: “Santi and I get along very well off the court. His forehand is amazing – he hits it incredibly hard. The conditions today helped me a bit because the drizzle made the ball slower, and that played in my favor.”
Barrena’s path to the title included victories over Nicolas Kicker in the opening round, Uruguay’s Franco Roncadelli in the round of 16, Mariano Kestelboim in the quarterfinals, Bolivia’s Murkel Dellien in the semifinals, and finally Rodriguez Taverna in the championship match. He earned $8,350 in prize money as well as 50 ATP Ranking points.
