SEGOVIA/STARNBERG, July 15, 2026
The Open Castilla y Leon Villa de El Espinar has officially launched its 40th edition, celebrating four decades of international tennis at one of Spain’s most iconic tournaments. The ATP Challenger 75 event was presented this week at the Centro Cultural Miguel Delibes in Valladolid, marking another milestone in the history of a tournament renowned for its longevity, tradition and role in developing future tennis stars.
The tournament will once again be held at its traditional home, the Pedro Munoz Municipal Sports Complex in La Estacion de El Espinar, a unique setting that makes it the only ATP Challenger event in the world staged inside a Biosphere Reserve.
Tournament Director Virginia Ruano highlighted the international reputation the event has built over the years and its importance as a launching pad for emerging players.
“When I was playing, many people already knew El Espinar because of this tournament,” said Ruano. “Year after year, the event has helped many players become recognized after competing on these courts.”
Ruano also confirmed the participation of Spanish player Alejandro Moro, a Challenger champion and two-time ITF World Tennis Tour winner, while announcing two of the tournament’s wild cards: Alejo Sanchez Quilez (ATP No. 267) and Alex Marti (ATP No. 514).
El Espinar Sports Councillor Javier Ayuso emphasized the significance of reaching the 40th anniversary.
“This is the 40th edition of a tournament that has grown, established itself and earned a well-deserved place in national and international tennis,” he said. “Behind this event there are countless hours of work, passion, dedication and love for sport and El Espinar.”
Jose Alberto Diaz, Councillor for Tourism, Culture and Sport of the Regional Government of Castilla y León, underlined the institution’s continued support for the tournament.
“For the Regional Government, supporting the Open Castilla y León Villa de El Espinar demonstrates our firm commitment to this event. Forty years of history can only be built with the support and dedication of many people,” he stated.
A week of celebrations for a historic anniversary
To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the tournament has prepared a special programme of activities. On Monday, July 20, following the official opening ceremony on Centre Court, fans will enjoy “El Punto del Milagro”, an event giving an amateur player the chance to compete alongside a professional and win a variety of prizes.
The tournament will also feature a Legends Tournament on quarterfinal Friday, alongside traditional events such as the exhibition match, the Pedro Muñoz Awards, and the annual blood donation campaign.
As in recent years, the final days of the Open Castilla y Leon Villa de El Espinar will also host the fifth edition of the U16 Junior Tournament, where young players will compete on the same courts as the professionals. The champions will receive their trophies on Pedro Muñoz Centre Court alongside the ATP Challenger winner.
Four decades of producing champions
First held in 1986, the Open Castilla y Leon Villa de El Espinar is one of the longest-running ATP Challenger tournaments in the world. Only events in San Luis Potosi (Mexico), Tampere (Finland) and Winnetka (USA) have a longer history at this level.
The tournament has built a legendary reputation as a breeding ground for champions. Former winners include some of the biggest names in tennis history, such as Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Juan Martin del Potro, Feliciano López, Pablo Carreno, Radek Stepanek, Fernando Verdasco, Sergi Bruguera and Emilio Sanchez-Vicario.
The inaugural champion was Spanish player Jose Manuel “Pepo” Clavet, while the most recent edition in 2025 was won by Britain’s George Loffhagen, who defeated local favourite Nicolas Alvarez Varona in the final. The doubles title went to Matías Soto of Chile and Federico Zeballos of Bolivia.
With the anniversary slogan “40 Years of Tennis”, the Open Castilla y Leon Villa de El Espinar celebrates its remarkable journey and its continued place in the global tennis landscape — proving that a small town in Segovia can remain a major destination for international tennis.
