VILLENA/STARNBERG, July 30, 2026
The ATP Challenger 100 event in Villena is set to begin an exciting new chapter in 2026. From October 4 to 11, Spain’s premier hard-court Challenger tournament will return to the Ferrero Tennis Academy under its new name, the FERRERO & FORTY Challenger, marking the start of a strategic partnership aimed at elevating the event both on and off the court.
Now in its ninth edition, the tournament will once again offer more than €160,000 in prize money and 100 ATP Ranking points to the singles champion. Positioned just below ATP 250 level, the Challenger 100 is a crucial stepping stone for players looking to break into or establish themselves inside the Top 100.
The tournament was officially launched on Wednesday at Béton Brut in Alicante, with Juan Carlos Ferrero, General Director of the Ferrero Tennis Academy, Tournament Director Iñaki Etxegia, FORTY Group CEO Hector del Barrio, and Jose Lorente, who will oversee the tournament’s entertainment program.
The main draw will feature 32 singles players, while 24 competitors will battle through qualifying for six available spots. Sixteen doubles teams will also compete, bringing together more than 60 players from 25 countries during tournament week. Organizers expect several Top 100 players to be included in the field, with the official acceptance list to be announced in September.
“The draw usually includes around ten Top 100 players, whose names will be revealed later,” said Etxegia. “As an interesting fact, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz faced each other for the first time at this tournament, which is Spain’s most important ATP event played on hard courts.”
Over the years, the tournament has earned a reputation for showcasing future stars before their breakthrough on the ATP Tour. Carlos Alcaraz lifted the trophy in 2020, while Jannik Sinner, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Alex de Minaur all competed in Villena early in their careers. Spanish standouts including Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, Martín Landaluce, Rafa Jodar, Daniel Merida, Feliciano Lopez, and defending champion Pablo Carreno Busta have also appeared at the event.
The Ferrero Tennis Academy continues to provide opportunities for its own young talents, with several academy players expected to receive wild cards or qualifying entries, allowing them to test themselves against experienced professionals on their home courts.
Former World No. 1 Juan Carlos Ferrero emphasized the importance of hosting high-level tournaments in Spain.
“Having so many top-level tournaments in Spain is a great opportunity for the next generation of players to compete, improve and continue their development,” Ferrero said. “At the academy we organize some of the most important tournaments on the circuit and are always looking to innovate. This new partnership with FORTY Group reflects our ambition to offer a complete experience. We share the same values and I am convinced this collaboration will help the tournament continue to grow and reach an even wider audience.”
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One of the biggest innovations for 2026 will be the addition of an extensive off-court program. Through its partnership with FORTY Group, the event will feature live music, family activities, tennis clinics for children, food trucks, and a diverse culinary offering throughout the week.
The gastronomic program will include collaborations between the culinary teams of Béton Brut and Puntapiedra, alongside renowned restaurants such as Espacio Montoro, Alfonso Mira, and Pincelín. Business networking events and a dedicated Gastronomic Business Club will also be part of the tournament schedule.
“We want to go beyond the sporting competition and establish this tournament as one of the leading meeting points in eastern Spain for sport, business, and social networking,” said Jose Lorente, Director of the tournament’s Gastronomic Business Club.
With its proven sporting pedigree and an enhanced fan experience, the FERRERO & FORTY Challenger aims to strengthen its position among Spain’s premier professional tennis events
