MURCIA/STARNBERG, March 18, 2026
The VII Challenger Costa Calida Region de Murcia is moving into its decisive stages after a demanding Wednesday filled with long, competitive matches. The singles draw is beginning to take shape, with several players already securing their spots in the quarterfinals.
One of the standout performers of the day was Pablo Llamas Ruiz, a player linked to the Real Murcia Club de Tenis 1919. He delivered an impressive victory over sixth seed Jan Choinski, winning 6–2, 6–7(4), 6–3. Llamas Ruiz started strongly, dominating the opening set, before facing resistance in the second, which Choinski edged in a tie-break. Showing resilience, Llamas regained control in the decider to seal a hard-earned and confidence-boosting win after two hours and eight minutes.
Top seed Jesper de Jong also progressed, defeating fellow Dutchman Max Houkes 6–1, 6–3 without major difficulties, reinforcing his status as the tournament favorite.
Austria’s Sebastian Ofner was even more dominant, cruising past Raul Brancaccio 6–0, 6–4. The match was particularly one-sided in the opening set, where Ofner set the tone with a commanding performance, which lasted 62 minutes.
Meanwhile in a battle of the veterans, Roberto Carballes Baena had to work harder to overcome Mikhail Kukushkin 6–1, 3–6, 6–2. After a strong start, he lost momentum in the second set but relied on his experience to regain control and close out the match in three sets.
Unbelievable defence 🤯
🇪🇸 Roberto Carballes Baena keeps on rolling in Murcia with a hard-fought 6-1, 3-6, 6-2 win over Kukushkin#ATPChallenger | @MurciaClubTenis pic.twitter.com/2aaJOVLyBW
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) March 18, 2026
Thursday to complete the quarterfinal line-up
The remaining quarterfinal spots in the singles draw will be decided on Thursday, with several key matchups scheduled. Pablo Carreno Busta will face qualifier Felix Gill, while Andrea Pellegrino takes on Justin Engel.
The schedule is rounded out by clashes between Kimmer Coppejans and Christoph Negritu, as well as Gilles-Arnaud Bailly against Alejandro Moro Canas, as the ATP Challenger Tour 75 event continues to build toward its decisive stages.
