QUITO/STARNBERG, July 6, 2026
Brazil’s Matheus Pucinelli De Almeida came from a set down to defeat Argentina’s Hernan Casanova 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, capturing the Challenger de Quito Copa Banco Guayaquil title in front of a packed crowd at Club Rancho San Francisco.
After a tightly contested opening set, Casanova edged ahead by taking advantage of the decisive moments. However, the setback did not affect Pucinelli De Almeida, who settled into his rhythm, began striking the ball with greater confidence, and took control of the match from the second set onward.
The Brazilian sealed victory in style with a serve-and-volley winner, earning a standing ovation from the spectators as he celebrated his second ATP Challenger title, following his triumph in Coquimbo, Chile, three years ago.
Back to winning ways 🙌
Matheus Pucinelli captures his first ATP Challenger title since 2023 after battling past Casanova in three sets in Quito#ATPChallenger | @cbtenis pic.twitter.com/4lVnTZvny4
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) July 5, 2026
“This title is very important to me,” Pucinelli De Almeida said after the final. “I think it will change a lot of things inside me and in my mindset. I’m very happy because I managed to come through tough matches, both physically and mentally. Sometimes I wasn’t playing my best tennis, but I finished every match strongly, and that’s exactly what I’ve been working towards.”
The victory also extended the 24-year-old Brazilian’s head-to-head advantage over Casanova to five wins from seven meetings, with the Argentine having defeated him twice.
“Winning a title changes everything because your confidence grows,” he added. “The ranking also helps you get into bigger tournaments, but the most important thing is to keep doing the right things every day—working hard, believing in yourself and giving your best. That’s how titles are won.”
The title marks a significant milestone in Pucinelli De Almeida’s season. Before arriving in Quito, his best results in 2026 had been two ATP Challenger semifinal appearances.
During the trophy ceremony, tournament director Andres Gomez, co-organizer Luis Adrian Morejon, tournament officials and sponsor representatives confirmed that the Quito Challenger will return for another edition next year.
