SAO PAULO/STARNBERG, March 29, 2026
The first-ever doubles title at the LA Open has been claimed by Brazil’s rising stars Guto Miguel and Gustavo Heide. The young pair triumphed on Saturday at the ATP Challenger 100 tournament held at the Jockey Club de Sao Paulo, defeating the more experienced Brazilian duo of Felipe Meligeni and Joao Lucas Reis in straight sets, 6–4, 6–2, in an all-Brazilian final.
Seventeen-year-old Miguel and the 24-year-old Heide entered the final with high confidence, breaking their opponents’ serve in the opening game and maintaining control throughout the first set to seal it 6–4. The second set began more evenly, with both teams exchanging breaks early on, but Miguel and Heide quickly took command, winning four consecutive games to close the match 6–2 and secure the title.
The victory marked a remarkable turnaround after both players had been eliminated in the first round of the singles draw earlier in the week. Miguel credited the doubles competition – and Heide’s encouragement – for helping him regain confidence after his early exit.
Heide, in turn, highlighted the natural chemistry between the pair, who first teamed up earlier this year at the Rio Open, where they reached the quarterfinals. He also emphasized the personal importance of the win following a difficult run of results this season.
Despite the defeat, Meligeni and Reis left the court with their heads held high. During the post-match ceremony, Meligeni became emotional as he reflected on a challenging 2025, which included back surgery that sidelined him for the second half of the season and the loss of his father, Flavio Meligeni, who passed away in August. He expressed gratitude for the support of his family and team, noting that reaching the final gave him renewed confidence in his return to form.
Reis also thanked the crowd for their strong support throughout the all-Brazilian final, which created a special atmosphere at the venue.
Burruchaga to face Faria in singles final
Meanwhile, the singles final of the tournament will feature Argentina’s Roman Andres Burruchaga and Portugal’s Jaime Faria, who will face off on Sunday evening to determine the first singles champion in the history of the event.
Burruchaga, the third seed, advanced by defeating Bolivia’s Juan Carlos Prado Angelo in straight sets. After dropping his serve in the opening game, the Argentine responded strongly, breaking twice to take the first set 6–3 and maintaining a steadier level in the second to close it 6–2. The 102nd-ranked player – who previously reached a career-high of No. 96 earlier this year – is guaranteed to achieve his best-ever ATP Ranking following the tournament.
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The son of legendary Argentine footballer Jorge Burruchaga, Roman expressed satisfaction with his performance and remains focused on improving further in the final, where he will chase his fourth ATP Challenger title, having already won three in 2025.
Faria, who is aiming for his third ATP Challenger title, also spoke enthusiastically about competing in Brazil. Having previously won in Curitiba in 2024, the Portuguese player said he relishes the energy of the local crowd and is looking forward to what he described as a “great day” in Sunday’s final.
SATURDAY RESULTS
Doubles – Final
Gustavo Heide (BRA)/Guto Miguel (BRA) defeats Felipe Meligeni Alves (BRA)/Joao Lucas Reis da Silva (BRA) – 6/4 6/2
Singles – Semifinal
[3] Roman Andres Burruchaga (ARG) defeats [8] Juan Carlos Prado Angelo (BOL) – 6/3 6/2
[5] Jaime Faria (POR) d. [6] Hugo Dellien (BOL) – 6/4 6/1
