CORDOBA/STARNBERG, March 9, 2025
The AAT Challenger Santander Cordoba came to an end with Thiago Tirante emerging as the champion. The 23-year-old Argentine defeated his compatriot Juan Pablo Ficovich 6-4, 6-0 in Sunday’s singles final to claim his first professional title on home soil.
The third ATP Challenger Tour tournament in Argentina this year, and the second organized by the Argentine Tennis Association (AAT), was a resounding success for the development of national players. With four Argentine semi-finalists, the tournament guaranteed a homegrown champion. Tirante displayed solid and aggressive tennis throughout the week, using his powerful serve and forehand to dominate his opponents—all of whom were fellow Argentines. On his way to the title, he defeated Bautista Torres, Renzo Olivo, Gonzalo Villanueva, and Juan Manuel Cerundolo before overcoming Ficovich in the final.
Sealed in style @TiranteThiago shines bright in Cordoba#ATPChallenger | @aatenis pic.twitter.com/F64Vive2VQ
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) March 9, 2025
The event was also a success for local fans, who enjoyed top-level tennis in their city. Around 1,500 spectators attended the semi-finals on Saturday and the final on Sunday.
“I feel like I took a huge weight off my shoulders. Playing in Argentina has always been tough for me; I put a lot of pressure on myself,” Tirante admitted after winning his fifth ATP Challenger career title. “I played a great week, focusing on every point and executing my strategy against each opponent. I stayed very connected with my team,” he added, crediting his coaches Miguel Pastura and Federico Berruezo. Holding the trophy, he reflected: “I want to thank myself and my mindset for continuing to believe that results would come if I kept working hard. Even when things weren’t going our way, my team and I put in extra effort.”
This tournament was the second event in the Santander Circuit this year, part of a record-breaking season for professional tennis in Argentina. The country will host seven ATP Challenger Tour events in 2025. With three already completed (Tigre, Cordoba, and the YPF Rosario Challenger), the circuit will continue with three more Santander tournaments, starting with Tucuman (April 21-28), and an additional event in Buenos Aires.
