LISBON/STARNBERG, October 25, 2026
A golden week in Lisbon saw Alexander Ritschard make history as the first player to win the Lisboa Belem Open twice. The Swiss ended a two-year wait for another title after overcoming several injury setbacks that had even led him to consider bringing his professional career to an end. The tournament, organised by the Portuguese Tennis Federation and MP Tennis at the CIF – Club Internacional de Foot-Ball, celebrated its 10th edition this year.
On Sunday, Ritschard needed just 62 minutes to defeat Svyatoslav Gulin of Russia 6-2, 6-1 in the final. The 32-year-old Zurich native, ranked No. 483 in the world after once reaching a career-high of No. 99, came through qualifying to reach the title match. Gulin, currently ranked No. 545, had initially lost in qualifying before entering the main draw as a lucky loser.
The final proved to be a one-sided affair, with Ritschard producing an outstanding performance that left his Russian opponent struggling to find answers. At one point, Gulin even jokingly compared the Swiss to Roger Federer, prompting a light-hearted exchange with Ritschard’s coach.
What just happened 🤯
Alexander Ritschard plays a flawless match to beat lucky loser Svyatoslav Gulin 6-2, 6-1 in 62 minutes to win the #LisboaBelémOpen for the second time, becoming the first two-time champion in the tournament’s history (10th edition). https://t.co/8K5pff8Q1U
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) October 25, 2026
“I felt very comfortable. I was able to hit the shots I wanted, but I don’t feel like Roger Federer. I am still missing a few Grand Slam titles for that [laughs]… and a one-handed backhand. But I certainly felt very comfortable today. It helps to have a first serve that I can rely on. When that is working and I can hit my forehand, it is almost impossible for an opponent to deal with that consistently,” Ritschard said during his post-tournament press conference.
The statistics underlined his dominance. Although he landed only 57 per cent of his first serves, Ritschard won 74 per cent of those points and an impressive 76 per cent of his second serve. Most importantly, he saved all four break points he faced, denying Gulin any opportunity to get back into the match.
Two years after claiming his first Lisboa Belem Open title and breaking into the world’s top 100 for the first time, Ritschard returned to the winner’s circle in the Portuguese capital. The victory marked his fifth ATP Challenger Tour title and will propel him approximately 200 places up the rankings to No. 280 in the next update.
His latest success carries particular significance given the physical problems that have repeatedly disrupted his career. Injuries to his shoulder, back and thigh have kept the Swiss from establishing himself consistently among the elite, and earlier this year he even contemplated retirement.
“It is a very special feeling. The last time I won a tournament was here two years ago, so it feels like closing a circle. The injuries were the main reason why I considered retiring. Apart from that, I still feel I have something to give to this sport and I feel young. I still have a lot left in me and I want to keep doing this, but in good physical condition and not in pain for the rest of my life,” he said, holding the trophy once again.
The Lisboa Belem Open was the ninth and final ATP Challenger tournament staged in Portugal this season. The campaign began with two indoor events at the Jamor Tennis Complex, followed by two more tournaments on clay at the same venue. In the second half of the year, the Challenger circuit travelled north, with stops at the Clube de Tenis do Porto, Complexo Desportivo do Monte Aventino, Clube de Tenis de Braga and Complexo Municipal de Tenis da Maia, before concluding at the CIF in Lisbon.
