CIUTADELLA DE MENORCA, April 4, 2026
Alex Martinez’s remarkable week at the II Open Menorca continues. The 25-year-old Spaniard, who had to come through qualifying just to reach the main draw, advanced to the final on Saturday with a 7-5, 7-5 victory over fellow Spaniard Daniel Rincon.
On a sunny Saturday on the second-largest of the Balearic Islands, Martinez capitalized on four of his six break-point chances to secure victory in one hour and 57 minutes.
From the qualifying to the final 💪
Alex Martinez emerges victorious from the all- 🇪🇸 @open_menorca semis with Daniel Rincon, winning 7-5 7-5 to reach his second @ATPChallenger championship match after @Tenis_Espinar Segovia.#ATPChallenger #Menorca #Ciutadella @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/oAbKJLJRwu
— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) April 4, 2026
After several days of battling windy conditions and a packed schedule, Martinez once again showed his resilience. Both he and Rincon had already been pushed to their limits on Friday, when the weather delays forced players to contest both second-round and quarterfinal matches on the same day.
“I was staying strong mentally,” Martinez told Tennis TourTalk when asked about the key to his success. “Yesterday was a physical day for both of us as we both had to play two matches. After a huge effort like this, it’s easy to let go. I was really thinking about backing up this today.”
The world No. 422 arrived in the semifinal full of confidence after producing the best wins of his career on Friday, defeating top seed Valentin Royer of France and later fellow Spaniard Pol Martin Tiffon.
“I had good wins against a top 100 player and a top 200 player, you are happy but the job wasn’t done,” he said. “It got me nervous today, but I stayed mentally strong every ball during the match.”
The final in Menorca will be only the second ATP Challenger final of Martinez’s career, following his run in El Espinar two years ago. For a player who has struggled with injuries in recent months, the achievement carries special significance.
“It means a lot, as there is a lot of struggle and pain going through this sport,” Martinez said. “You have to sacrifice a lot and have to work really hard. It is just a reward for the push I have been done the last couple of months and after my injury.”
The Barcelona native has worked his way back after knee problems interrupted his momentum and delayed the start of his season. Now he is one match away from the biggest title of his career.
“I am really happy to get this opportunity and hopefully I will win it,” Martinez said. “That’s why you play finals. But it’s important trying to be better every day.”
Off the court, Martinez believes he and his coach have found the right formula during their week in Menorca. The tournament marks the first time the pair have travelled together, and they have established a simple daily routine.
“Every evening we go out for a walk, keeping our phones in the hotel room,” Martinez explained. “There is a good environment in the town. It’s quite ‘tranquilo’ and it’s good to disconnect.”
The evenings in Ciutadella have become a way to escape the pressures of competition.
“We hang out in a bar for an hour and then go back to the hotel to have some rest,” Martinez said. “It’s been helping. We have been doing it since Tuesday and here I am in the final.”
Brancaccio battles past Blanch
Next up for Martinez, who played college tennis for the University of Oklahoma, will be Raul Brancaccio. The Italian alternate ended the run of US-American qualifier Dali Blanch, winning 6-3, 0-6, 7-6(2) in one hour and 53 minutes.
Raul Brancaccio 🇮🇹 ends the run of 🇺🇲 qualifier Dali Blanch – overcomes some physical problems, and reaches the @open_menorca final, winning 6-3 0-6 7-6.#ATPChallenger #Menorca #Ciutadella pic.twitter.com/cznF96sJ1J
— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) April 4, 2026
“Dali played really well but I stayed focus and I was positive until the end,” said Brancaccio, who struggled physically in the second set. “I am not sure what happened. I have to check with the physio and then we’ll see. I hope to be ready for tomorrow.”
Martinez is seeking his maiden Challenger trophy on Sunday. Brancaccio could capture his third career title following his triumphs on home soil in San Benedetto 2022 and Noumea, New Caledonia 2023. The Italian is leading the pair’s head-to-head record 3-0.
