ANTOFAGASTA/STARNBERG, October 12, 2026
Joao Lucas Reis Da Silva emerged victorious from an all-Brazilian final at the Challenger Ciudad de Antofagasta 2026, presented by Antofagasta Minerals. In an entertaining battle on the Central Court of AutoClub Antofagasta, the Brazilian overcame fourth seed Thiago Seyboth Wild 7-6(2), 1-6, 6-2 after two hours and three minutes of intense competition.
Both players produced a high level of tennis from the outset. The opening set remained closely contested, with neither player able to establish a decisive advantage before Reis Da Silva took control of the tie-break to secure it 7-2. Seyboth Wild responded emphatically in the second set, raising his level to claim it 6-1 and force a decider. However, Reis Da Silva regained his composure and consistency in the third set, breaking away to complete the victory 6-2 and lift the trophy of the ATP Challenger 75 event.
Third time’s the charm! 🇧🇷 🗣️
After falling short in two finals earlier this year, Joao Lucas Reis Da Silva defeats Seyboth Wild 7-6(2), 1-6, 6-2 in an all-Brazilian showdown to claim the Antofagasta crown! 👑
#ATPChallenger | @LegionSudam https://t.co/1gEA8MLWcs
— ATP Challenger (@ATPChallenger) October 11, 2026
“It was a fantastic week in which I was able to play really good tennis and remain mentally strong. I think that was the key today and throughout the entire week. The intensity I managed to maintain from beginning to end, particularly in the third set, made the difference. I am very happy and pleased with the maturity and level of tennis I showed,” Reis Da Silva said after his triumph.
The newly crowned champion also expressed his affection for the Chilean city. “I love playing here in Antofagasta. The tournament was packed with people every day, and the atmosphere was incredible,” he added.
Horacio de la Pena, former professional tennis player and founder of the South American Legion Circuit, also reflected positively on the tournament, highlighting the atmosphere during the final.
“I am absolutely amazed that we had an all-Brazilian final with a full stadium. It shows that this is a great tournament and that people are beginning to understand the exceptionally high level of tennis on display. Players like Thiago Seyboth Wild, who won the Chile Open, were here, within everyone’s reach and completely free of charge. These opportunities should not be missed, and I am delighted that people are making the most of them,” de la Pena commented.
A tournament strengthening tennis in the region
The 2026 edition of the Challenger Ciudad de Antofagasta was supported by the Municipality of Antofagasta and the Municipal Corporation for Sports and Recreation (CMDR), with Antofagasta Minerals as presenting sponsor. The event concluded on a high note, enjoying strong public attendance and an impressive standard of competition throughout the week.
Braulio Otarola, executive director of the CMDR, underlined the tournament’s importance in raising the city’s profile as a destination for major sporting events.
“Seeing the name of Antofagasta everywhere throughout the week, associated with tennis, is exactly what we are aiming for: positioning the city as a host of major sporting events. We have been making steady progress through our work with different sports, and tennis, which we have supported for some time, brings us great satisfaction. Beyond enjoying world-class tennis, we want this experience to inspire our children and young people to try the sport and learn to play,” he said.
Claudia Zazzali, acting Public Affairs Manager for the Northern Region at Antofagasta Minerals, also highlighted the company’s commitment to sport and its connection with the local community.
“Antofagasta Minerals is delighted to be involved in major events like this because they carry the name of our city. We are a local company and proudly say that we come from Antofagasta. That is why we take part in initiatives that bring the community together and offer world-class sporting entertainment, reaching tennis fans not only from the city but also from across the country and around the world,” Zazzali explained.
She added that the company was very pleased with its involvement while remaining committed to exploring further opportunities to strengthen its connection with the community.
