CAMPINAS/STARNBERG, April 8, 2026
Tuesday marked the debut of the Brazilian players at the Copa Internacional de Tenis ATP Challenger 75 in Campinas, as well as the first appearance of tournament favorite Gonzalo Bueno. The top-seeded Peruvian lived up to expectations, defeating 20-year-old Brazilian Bruno Fernandez in straight sets, 6-2, 7-5.
Several other Brazilians also took to the court and produced closely contested matches. Qualifier Jose Pereira pushed Argentine Lautaro Midon to three sets, but eventually fell 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 to end his run in the tournament.
Paulo Saraiva dos Santos, who reached the semifinals last week in Sao Leopoldo, made an excellent start against Bolivia’s Murkel Dellien, taking the opening set 6-1. However, physical issues began to affect him in the second set, allowing Dellien back into the match. The Bolivian edged the second set in a tie-break before sealing victory with a 6-2 score in the decider.
“The match was very much in my favor, but in the second set I started feeling sick to my stomach and he improved,” Saraiva dos Santos said. “Credit to him, that’s part of the game.”
In the all-Brazilian clash of the day, Gustavo Heide comfortably defeated Joao Lucas Reis 6-2, 6-1 to secure his place in the second round.
“It is always a big challenge to play another Brazilian, especially a friend,” Heide said. “We train together at Tennis Route and know each other very well, but I managed to play a great match and made very few mistakes today. I’m very happy with this start.”
Heide also spoke about his special connection to Campinas.
“Playing here means a little more to me because this is where I played my first Challenger and got my first win. It is always special to come back and have the support of the crowd, which has been filling the stands every day.”
