SAN MIGUEL DE TUCUMAN/STARNBERG, June 13, 2026

The AAT Challenger IEB+ Tucuman has reached the final weekend of the tournament, with Argentine players continuing to make a strong impact. One home finalist is guaranteed, as Guido Justo and Luciano Ambrogi will face each other in the semi-finals, while Nicolas Kicker will take on Colombia’s Johan Rodriguez for the other place in the title match.

The sixth Challenger event of the year in Argentina, and the fifth organized by the Argentine Tennis Association (AAT), has provided a successful stage for local players throughout the week.

Luciano Ambrogi (ATP No. 408) advanced to the first ATP Challenger semi-final of his career after defeating fellow Argentine Carlos Zarate (No. 467) 6-2, 1-6, 6-4.

Puño apretado, Lucho 💪

Luciano Ambrogi jugará sus primeras semifinales del ATP Challenger Tour en Tucumán 👏

✅ 6-2, 1-6 y 6-4 a Carlos Zárate 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/YSM0dAXZ92

— Asociación Argentina de Tenis (@AATenis) June 12, 2026

“It wasn’t easy at all. We know each other very well and spend a lot of time together,” said the Rosario native about Zarate, with whom he shares the same training team under coach Fabian Blengino.

“Closing out matches had been something I struggled with, and it’s something I’ve been working on for a long time. I always felt my level was good, but I couldn’t finish important matches that would help my confidence. I’ve improved a lot in that area, and it makes me happy and proud to know that I’m handling those moments better,” the 22-year-old explained.

Describing his playing style, Ambrogi added: “I like to counterpunch. I have a very good serve. I try to come forward, take control of points and finish at the net. I enjoy using touch and creativity to solve situations on court.”

His opponent in Saturday’s second semi-final will be Guido Justo (No. 254). The player from Adrogue, Buenos Aires, defeated Thiago Cigarran (No. 818) 6-4, 6-4 and will now look to continue the form that earned him the AAT Challenger IEB+ Tigre I title in February, the first and only Challenger title of his career so far.

The top half of the draw features experienced Argentine Nicolas Kicker (No. 361). The Merlo native won the all-1992-born showdown against Federico Coria (No. 999), leading 7-5, 3-0 before Coria was forced to retire.

Kicker, a four-time Challenger champion who reached a career-high ATP ranking of No. 78 in 2017, will face Colombia’s Johan Rodriguez (No. 693) at 11:00 a.m. local time Rodriguez secured his semi-final berth with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Brazil’s Matheus Pucinelli de Almeida (No. 419).

The Colombian, who currently competes in college tennis in the United States, is making the most of his academic break to gain valuable experience on the professional circuit.

FRIDAY RESULTS

Singles – Quarterfinal

[1] Guido Ivan Justo (ARG) d [Q] Thiago Cigarran (ARG) 64 64
[7] Nicolas Kicker (ARG) d [WC] Federico Coria (ARG) 75 30 Retired
[8] Luciano Emanuel Ambrogi (ARG) d Carlos Maria Zarate (ARG) 62 16 64
[Q] Johan Alexander Rodriguez (COL) d Matheus Pucinelli De Almeida (BRA) 75 64

Doubles – Semifinal

Hernan Casanova (ARG)/Santiago Rodriguez Taverna (ARG) d Joaquin Aguilar Cardozo (URU)/Santiago De La Fuente (ARG) 75 64
Mateo Del Pino (ARG)/Ryan Dickerson (USA) d Ignacio Monzon (ARG)/Nicolas Villalon (CHI) 63 64