MURCIA/STARNBERG, March 17, 2026
The Challenger Costa Calida Region de Murcia began to heat up on Tuesday with a familiar mix of outcomes: top seeds confirming their status, local players stepping forward, and a few surprises shaking up the draw.
Top seed Jesper de Jong made a strong start, winning his opening match 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 against Benjamin Hassan of Lebanon, underlining why he entered the tournament as the No. 1 favorite. No. 3 seed Pablo Carreno Busta followed suit, overcoming fellow Spaniard Carlos Sanchez Jover 7-6(3), 6-1 in a solid performance. Fourth-seeded Austrian Sebastian Ofner also progressed with authority, beating Portuguese qualifier Frederico Ferreira Silva 6-2, 7-6(4).
From a Spanish perspective, the day brought two notable victories. Pablo Llamas Ruiz, a player linked to the Real Murcia Club de Tenis 1919, delivered a composed performance to defeat qualifier David Jorda Sanchis 6–2, 6–1 and continue his steady rise. Meanwhile, veteran Roberto Carballes Baena used his consistency to overcome Nikolas Sanchez Izquierdo 6-3, 7-6(5), remaining one of the key contenders. Another club-affiliated player, Ivan Gakhov, was eliminated after losing to Germany’s Christoph Negritu.
First main draw win since January 🎉
🇪🇸 [8] Roberto Carballes Baena gets a much-needed 6-3, 7-6 (5) victory over Sanchez Izquierdo!#ATPChallenger |📍Murcia pic.twitter.com/GnV9FZ1AFm
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) March 17, 2026
There were also unexpected results, with the exits of second seed Vilius Gaubas and Elmer Moller disrupting the initial script and opening up the top half of the draw. Andrea Pellegrino, another player connected to the Murcia club, closed the day with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Pol Martin Tiffon to reach the second round of the ATP Challenger 75 event in Spain.
Wednesday clashes begin to shape the tournament
The tournament now moves into a more demanding phase, with Wednesday’s matches set to test the main contenders. One of the standout encounters will see Roberto Carballes Baena take on Mikhail Kukushkin in a clash of experienced players capable of long, grinding rallies.
Local attention will again focus on players linked to the Real Murcia Club de Tenis 1919. Pablo Llamas Ruiz faces a tough test against Jan Choinski, while Raul Brancaccio is set for a particularly challenging match against fourth seed Sebastian Ofner.
