MURCIA/STARNBERG, March 19, 2026
Thursday’s action at the VII Challenger Costa Calida Region de Murcia confirmed the tournament’s rising competitive intensity, with demanding matches, notable comebacks, and a quarterfinal line-up featuring a mix of established players and emerging talents.
One of the standout performers of the day was Pablo Carreno Busta, who fought back to defeat British qualifier Felix Gill in three sets 4–6, 6–3, 6–2. After a slow start, the 34-year-old Spaniard raised his level from the baseline, improving his control in key moments to secure victory in two hours and three minutes.
Sending the home crowd wild 🥳
🇪🇸 Pablo Carreno Busta recovers from a set down to post back-to-back main draw wins for the first time since October!#ATPChallenger | @MurciaClubTenis | @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/TLklEj1iHS
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) March 19, 2026
Gilles Arnaud Bailly also needed three sets to overcome Alejandro Moro Canas in a tightly contested encounter 7–5, 6–7(5), 6–2. The 20-year-old Belgian showed strong mental resilience after losing the second set in a tie-break, eventually asserting his consistency in the decider. Meanwhile, Kimmer Coppejans of Belgium delivered a solid performance to defeat Christoph Negritu from Germany 7–5, 6–4, edging a balanced match by capitalizing on crucial points.
The singles schedule concluded with a high-quality clash between Andrea Pellegrino, a player linked to the Real Murcia Club de Tenis 1919, and Justin Engel. The No. 7 seed from Italy prevailed 3-6, 6-2, 7-5, capping an entertaining day of tennis in Murcia.
High-level quarterfinal clashes ahead
The confirmed quarterfinal draw of the ATP Challenger 75 tournament promises several compelling matchups. Pablo Llamas Ruiz will face top seed Jesper de Jong in a clash that will test the Spaniard’s progress against one of the tournament favorites.
Belgium is guaranteed a semifinalist, as Kimmer Coppejans takes on Gilles Arnaud Bailly. Elsewhere, Roberto Carballes Baena will meet fourth-seeded Austrian Sebastian Ofner, while Pablo Carreno Busta continues his campaign against Andrea Pellegrino.
In doubles, the semifinal line-up has also been set. Benjamin Hassan and Sebastian Ofner will face Ivan Liutarevich and Adria Pujol Navarro, while the second semifinal will see Mario Merino and Christoph Negritu take on the Polish duo Karol Drzewiecki and Piotr Matuszewski.
