ANTOFAGASTA/STARNBERG, September 30, 2024
Juan Manuel Cerundolo from Argentina has clinched the title of the Challenger Dove Men+Care Antofagasta 2024. The No. 8 seed of the ATP Challenger Tour 100 clay-court tournament outlasted Adolfo Daniel Vallejo of Paraguay 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 in Sunday’s singles final.
An intense and thrilling match on Center Court of the Autoclub in Antofagasta, Cerundolo overcame a slow start, capitalized on five of his nine break-point chances to secure victory in two hours and 30 minutes.
Back from the brink @juanmacerundolo digs past Vallejo 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 to secure the title in Antofagasta #ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/RqYBkKy3tP
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) September 29, 2024
“I’m really happy, it was a tough match, and the level was high on both sides,” said Cerundolo. “I raised my game a lot in the second and third sets, and I think that made the difference as my opponent’s physical level dropped slightly. I’m very happy with the win.”
The 22-year-old Buenos Aires native captured his 10th ATP Challenger Tour career title in addition to his triumph on the ATP Tour at the Cordoba Open three years ago. Cerundolo collected $18,230 in prize money as well as 100 ATP Ranking points.
Horacio de la Pena, founder of the Legion Sudamericana circuit, praised the tournament and the final, saying, “I’m speechless because the final Juanma and Adolfo gave us was spectacular—two hours and 40 minutes of high-level tennis. It’s an honor that the Dove Men+Care circuit can support these young talents in earning their first points towards making it in the big leagues.”
De la Pena also highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in making such events possible, with the backing of the Municipality, Antofagasta Minerals, and Dove Men+Care. “It’s incredible that they support the idea of promoting South American tennis through a tournament like this.”
The second edition of the Challenger Dove Men+Care Antofagasta offered a total prize purse of $133,250 and was hosted by the Autoclub de Antofagasta.
Antofagasta is a coastal city in northern Chile, known for its rich mining history and stunning desert landscapes. Situated by the Pacific Ocean, it serves as a major port and industrial hub, particularly for the copper mining industry. The nearby Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, offers unique attractions like the La Portada natural arch and the Chuquicamata copper mine, one of the largest in the world. Antofagasta’s blend of arid desert, beautiful coastline, and vibrant industry make it a distinctive and important city in Chile.
