CIUTADELLA DE MENORCA, April 2, 2026
At first glance, the conditions at the Open Menorca looked anything but inviting. Strong winds had battered the courts for days, delaying matches and frustrating players across the draw. Yet for Alex Martinez, the blustery weather felt strangely familiar.
“I was in college in Oklahoma for four years, there is a lot of wind and tornados there,” Martinez said with a smile after coming through qualifying and defeating Portugal’s Tiago Pereira 7-6(3), 6-3 in the first round of the main draw on Thursday. “It gave me a bit of a push today.”
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The 25-year-old from Barcelona is currently ranked No. 405 in the world, after reaching a career-high No. 388 last year. His path to the professional circuit has been different from many of his Spanish peers. Instead of developing solely in Europe, Martinez spent four years in the United States, playing college tennis at the University of Oklahoma.
There, amid the demanding environment of US-American college sports, he studied Human Relations and graduated two years ago with a bachelor’s degree.
“It was great. It was a good learning process,” Martinez said of his time in the US. “You’re surrounded by people who are pushing you and trying to give you the best. It does really help you to get the best version of yourself. For me it was a great experience.”
The college route also opened the door to the next stage of his career. In 2024, Martinez was one of 21 players selected for the ATP Next Gen Accelerator, a programme designed to help top college players transition to the professional game by giving them direct entry into Challenger tournaments.
“Yes definitely,” Martinez said when asked if college tennis helped him reach the Pro Circuit. “I finished with the ATP Accelerator Program, which helped me to get into Challengers easier in the beginning.”
The programme came at an ideal time. Last year, Martinez captured two ITF World Tennis Tour titles on hard courts in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Harlingen, Texas, and his ranking climbed steadily. But just as his momentum was building, injuries interrupted his progress.
Now based back home in Barcelona, Martinez works with a small coaching team and a fitness trainer as he tries to regain his level after knee problems.
“I am based in Barcelona, and I have a couple of coaches and a fitness coach now,” he explained. “Unfortunately, I had to deal with some injuries at both of my knees. I am bit delayed in competing and my results haven’t come yet. But I keep practicing and keep pushing. I am feeling a lot better now and hopefully I can recover and every time it is better.”
Asked about his game style, Martinez responded: “I am definitely a server and have a strong forehand, that’s how I picture myself. I believe that I am also fast and have some good defensive skills.
“I prefer playing on hard courts. But I am Spanish, so I grew up on clay and it is not hard for me to adapt.”
Perhaps the most striking thing about Martinez is his perspective. While many players at his level obsess over rankings and prize money, the Spaniard has deliberately moved away from that mindset.
“I don’t set myself any goals in terms of ranking positions,” he said. “I did in the past, but when you compare yourself to other players, it’s just downfall. You always think that you want to be better ranked and earn more money. I am not trying to achieve anything; I am just looking to improve myself and enjoy the sport. That’s my focus and that’s how you reward yourself every day.”
Away from the court, Martinez likes to switch off in simple ways. “I play some video games, kill the time. But I keep switching. This week for example was a chess week. I played a lot with my coach.”
He also enjoys exploring the places where he competes.
“I do like going for a walk during a tournament, trying to look around and to meet some locals. And maybe meet some weird traditions.”
As for his favorite stop on tour so far, Martinez is still undecided.
“I don’t really have one,” he said and added with a smile. “Maybe it will be Menorca. Winning always helps you to like a place more.”
