CAMPINAS/STARNBERG, October 20, 2024
Juan Pablo Ficovich advanced to the singles final of the Campeonato Internacional De Tenis presented by Santander. The 27-year-old Argentine is aiming for the biggest title of his career. Ficovich defeated Alvaro Guillen Meza of Ecuador 6-2, 6-4 in one hour and 38 minutes on Saturday.
In 2019, the current World No. 204 finished runner-up in Campinas, Brazil to Peruvian Juan Pablo Varillas. Ficovich, whose mother is Brazilian and father is Argentine, considers himself “half and half” but admits the Argentine side dominates, as he has always lived there. However, during vacations, he would visit his mother’s family in Joao Pessoa, Brazil. He has claimed 13 career titles on the Pro Circuit, three of which are at ATP Challenger level. His best ranking was World No. 125 in 2022, a position he aims to regain. By reaching the final, Ficovich is already set to rise to 177 in the ATP rankings.
Man on a mission
It’s 4⃣th final of the year for @juampificovich as he moves past Guillen Meza 6-2, 6-4 in Campinas#ATPChallenger | @AATenis pic.twitter.com/Vsb4qTXMr4
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 19, 2024
In the second semi-final, US-American Tristan Boyer was on the verge of closing the match, serving at 5-4 and holding a 40/0 lead after winning the first set 6-3 when Camilo Ugo Carabelli of Argentina was forced to retire due to physical issues. With his place in the final, Boyer, who is in Campinas with his coach and former World No. 30 Marcelo Filippini from Uruguay, is already assured of achieving a new career-high ranking.
Alves/Luz triumph in doubles
The Brazilian duo Mateus Alves and Orlando Luz claimed the doubles title. They defeated Facundo Mena of Argentina and Chilean Tomas Barrios Vera 6-3, 6-4. This victory marks the fourth time an all-Brazilian pair has won the title in the tournament’s 14-year history, which is considered the most traditional in Brazil.
This is also Orlando Luz’s second doubles title in Campinas, the first being in 2019. Currently ranked 74th in the ATP doubles ranking with 40 titles under his belt, including an ATP 250, Luz is experiencing the peak of his career.
“We had an excellent week, and it’s very rewarding to win a title on just our second time playing together. Next is Curitiba, and we’ll be competing there together as well. I hope to play well again,” said Luz, who quickly left the venue to participate in the qualifying rounds for the Challenger 100 in Curitiba starting the following day.
Alves, ranked 168th in ATP doubles, expressed joy over the win, reminiscing about watching the tournament as a junior. This victory marks Alves’ fifth ATP Challenger doubles title, highlighting its significance alongside his win in Antofagasta last September. “It’s very important to win here at such a traditional tournament in Brazil and close to home, where I used to come and watch when I was younger. Now, we’re off to Curitiba,” he said.
For their victory in Campinas, Alves and Luz split $7,580 in prize money and collected 100 ATP Doubles Ranking points.
