CIUTADELLA DE MENORCA, April 3, 2026
Good Friday brought an intense schedule at the Open Menorca, with both the second-round and quarterfinal matches played on the same day. Every player still in the draw had to take the court twice.
The standout performer was Spanish qualifier Alex Martinez. The 25-year-old from Barcelona extended his impressive run by first upsetting top seed Valentin Royer 6-7(7), 6-4, 6-3 and later overcoming fellow Spaniard Pol Martin Tiffon 7-6(5), 6-1 to move into the semifinals of the ATP Challenger 100 event.
All in a day’s work 💪
Following a victory over top seed Royer earlier, Martinez completes double duty, overcoming Martin Tiffon 7-6(5, 6-1 to reach the semis 🫡#ATPChallenger | @open_menorca pic.twitter.com/EiP7BWP6XF
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) April 3, 2026
“Winning in the afternoon after already being tired is a great effort,” said Martinez, who has become one of the surprise stories of the week. Ranked No. 405 in the world and having already battled through qualifying, he has now won four consecutive matches in Menorca. After the stormy opening days, he has grown more and more comfortable on the courts of the Tennis Club Ciutadella.
The difficult weather may even have worked in his favor. Martinez spent four years playing college tennis at the University of Oklahoma, where windy conditions and even tornadoes are part of everyday life. That experience appears to have prepared him well for the challenging conditions on the Balearic island.
His route into professional tennis has been unusual compared to many other Spanish players. Rather than staying in Europe, Martinez chose the American college system. While competing in Oklahoma, he studied Human Relations and graduated with a bachelor’s degree two years ago.
The move proved important for his development. In 2024, Martinez was selected for the ATP Next Gen Accelerator, which helps leading college players transition to the professional game by giving them easier access to Challenger tournaments.
The timing was ideal. Last season, Martinez won two ITF World Tennis Tour titles on US-American hard courts in Tulsa and Harlingen and climbed to a career-high ranking of No. 388. However, his progress was slowed by injuries to both knees.
Back in Barcelona, where he now trains with two coaches and a fitness trainer, Martinez has been working his way back. Menorca is now providing the clearest sign yet that he is returning to form.
The Spaniard, who finished runner-up to Antoine Escoffier in the Open Castilla y Leon in El Espinar two years ago, considers his serve and forehand to be the strongest parts of his game. Although hard courts remain his favorite surface, his upbringing on clay has allowed him to adapt quickly this week.
Just as striking as his tennis is his mindset. Rather than focusing on rankings or prize money, Martinez has chosen to concentrate on his own improvement and enjoyment of the sport. So far, that approach is paying off in Menorca.
Next up for Martinez will be Daniel Rincon. The former junior world No. 2 had to go the distance twice, outlasting fellow Spaniard Miguel Damas 6-2, 4-6, 6-2, followed by a hard-fought 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory over qualifier Sergio Callejon Hernando of Spain.
In Saturday’s second semi-final, US-American qualifier Dali Blanch will take on Italian alternate Raul Brancaccio.
