Senza categoria – Tenerife Challenger

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR TENNIS SCHOOLS

The Tenerife Challenger opens its doors to tennis schools in the Canary Islands – The dream of many children who play sports is to meet the athletes who have made that dream a reality. Young tennis enthusiasts from the Canary Islands will have the opportunity to spend a day in close contact with the professional tennis players participating in the ATP Challenger Tour tournaments taking place in Guía de Isora, Tenerife. The tournament organizers, along with the Tenerife Tennis Federation and the Canary Islands Tennis Federation, will involve the Canary Islands’ tennis schools in KIDS DAY!

As in previous years, IODA Tenerife, an association that promotes values such as inclusion, leisure, and adapted sports, will be present. Children will have the opportunity to test their wheelchair tennis skills by playing with IODA athletes.

Instructors and representatives from tennis clubs can register their tennis school for one or more days, choosing a day of their choice (minimum 10 people).

Registration is done by sending an email to contact@meftennisevents.com or by contacting Elena Marchesini at +39 3925250271.

The KIDS DAY program varies depending on the day and includes:
– PRACTICE SESSION WITH PLAYERS FROM THE TENERIFE CHALLENGER AND WHEELCHAIR TENNIS: Participating tennis schools will have the opportunity to practice with the ATP Challenger tournament champions and IODA athletes (30 minutes).
– SOUVENIR PHOTO: During and at the end of the practice session, the children will have their picture taken with the players. The photos will be sent via a link to their assigned teacher.

– AUTOGRAPH SESSION: Each child will receive a ball autographed by one of the tournament players.

– FREE ADMISSION: Each participating child will receive a free pass for the entire day. Each participant may bring two guests who will have free access all day.

* HOW TO REGISTER: To register, please send an email to contact@meftennisevents.com or contact Elena Marchesini at +39 3925250271, indicating your preferred date, time slot, and number of children/teenagers (minimum 10 people). We will contact you to confirm your availability.

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ENTRY LIST TENERIFE CHALLENGER

TOP PROFESSIONAL TENNIS RETURNS TO THE ISLAND WITH THE TENERIFE CHALLENGERS IN FEBRUARY

Young Spanish talent Rafa Jodar is one of the players who will take part in the tournaments, which will give several promising Canary Island tennis players the opportunity to compete.

Tenerife, January 15, 2026 – Tenerife will once again become a benchmark for top international tennis. The island will host two ATP Challenger 75 events for two weeks, from February 1 to 15, on the hard courts of the Abama Tennis Academy, confirming the island as one of the most exciting stops on the calendar. Behind the organization of an event appreciated by both locals and the many tourists who choose Tenerife for their holidays is, once again, MEF Tennis Events, proud to renew its commitment to such a captivating location, and with the sponsorship of the Cabildo (Island Council) through Turismo de Tenerife (Tenerife Tourism).

A context that professionals continue to reward thanks to the climate, the venues, the quality of the organization, and the infrastructure. And the entry list for the Tenerife Challenger 1 confirms it: the level is high, and the names promise to make their mark in the near future. Among them is Rafa Jodar, the new darling of Iberian fans, as well as several promising young players from the Canary Islands, who will be able to participate thanks to the wild cards granted by the organizers. In this connection between entertainment and tennis promotion, all members of the RFET (Royal Spanish Tennis Federation) and players from Canary Islands clubs will be able to take advantage of a 50% discount on tickets and weekly passes. The traditional Kids Days dedicated to the island’s youth will also be featured.

The Vice President and Tourism Councillor of the Cabildo (Island Council), Lope Afonso, emphasizes that “the hosting of the Tenerife Challenger reinforces the Cabildo’s firm commitment to sports tourism as a tool for diversification and generating value for the destination. Events of this caliber not only project Tenerife’s image internationally, but also contribute to reducing the seasonality of tourism and attracting visitors who value quality, sport, and the island’s privileged climate.”

For the CEO of Turismo de Tenerife, Dimple Melwani, “the island offers an exceptional environment to enjoy top-level tennis, thanks to a mild climate that, year-round, allows for the enjoyment of excellent outdoor facilities and the hosting of international sporting events such as the ATP Challenger, which generate a positive impact on sectors such as hospitality, restaurants, activity companies, and local businesses, while also placing Tenerife on the international tennis calendar and in the spotlight of specialized media.” The CEO of the tourism entity added, “Hosting this tournament at home represents an opportunity for the young Canary Islands tennis prospects selected by the federation, who award wild cards, allowing them to fulfill their dream of taking a leap forward in their sporting careers.” A message from Brendan Breen and Miguel Del Prado Trallero – Among the key figures behind the scenes organizing events in Tenerife are Brendan Breen, director of Abama Golf and Tennis, and Miguel Del Prado Trallero, president of the Tenerife Island Tennis Federation: “Once again, Abama will host the two ATP Challenger tournaments to be held in Tenerife in 2026,” commented Breen. “I would like to express our gratitude to the Tenerife Island Council for their continued support and to MEF Tennis Events for organizing two high-quality professional tennis tournaments. We are proud that the organization has once again chosen our professional facilities.”

Trallero emphasized the importance of these competitions for local players – “Tenerife is once again at the heart of international tennis with a new edition hosting two prestigious Challenger tournaments, a unique opportunity to further promote the sport on the island. These competitions also serve as a powerful incentive for local players, who have the chance to compete, learn, and test themselves against top-level tennis players without leaving home. The Tenerife Island Tennis Federation is experiencing this event with particular enthusiasm and satisfaction. Collaborating closely with the tournament organizers is a true pleasure and a commitment to the growth of tennis in Tenerife, fostering enthusiasm among young talents and consolidating a solid foundation for the future of the sport on the island.”

Entry list: the future lies in Tenerife – This year, the Tenerife Challenger 1 will once again feature one of the most exciting talents on the international scene. First among them is Madrid native Rafa Jodar, born in 2006, who starred in the Next Gen ATP Finals last December and is ranked 150th in the world. His rise has been so rapid that he left collegiate tennis after winning Challenger titles in 2015 in Hersonissos, Lincoln, and Charlottesville. His start to 2016 was equally impressive, reaching the final of the Canberra Challenger, a prelude to the Australian Open. Not yet Next Gen ATP players, but highly anticipated for a key season, the top two seeds will be Francesco Passaro (ATP No. 140) and Francesco Maestrelli (ATP No. 141). The Spanish contingent, awaiting wildcards for the main draw, will be represented by Daniel Mérida (ATP No. 164) and Alejandro Moro Cañas (ATP No. 242). Italy will also be represented by Stefano Travaglia (ATP No. 189) and Lorenzo Giustino (ATP No. 210). When discussing the future, it’s essential to mention 2005-born players Arthur Gea and Gilles-Arnaud Bailly, 2006-born Joel Schwartzler, and 2007-born Benjamin Willwerth, who recently graduated from the junior circuit, where he reached a career-high ranking of world No. 4.

José Sepúlveda announces the Canary Islands wild cards – “It is a true honor to welcome a new edition of the Tenerife Challenger,” said the president of the Canary Islands Tennis Federation, José Sepúlveda, “which once again makes the island the epicenter of international tennis. For two weeks, we will enjoy the talent, excitement, and dedication of top players on the professional circuit in the unique setting of the Abama Tennis Academy. This event goes beyond the purely sporting aspect: it is a commitment to the growth of tennis in the Canary Islands, to bringing high-performance tennis closer to our community, and to creating new opportunities for our young talents, who will have the chance to compete in the qualifying rounds and gain experience in a highly demanding professional environment.”

Rodrigo Ledesma Sosa and Saúl Pacheco Benasayag will be the players participating in the first of two stages on the hard courts of the Abama Resort, while Joel Toral Ocaña and Samuel García Hernández will play in the second tournament: “Our sincerest thanks to the Tenerife Island Council for their unwavering support, to MEF Tennis Events for their impeccable organization, and to all the sponsors and collaborators who make this project possible, now fully established on the ATP Challenger Tour calendar. I also want to acknowledge the involvement of clubs, coaches, referees, and volunteers, who represent the heart and soul of this sport in our islands. Their constant commitment, their dedication to development, and their passion for tennis are essential for these kinds of events to become a reality. To the players, I wish them the greatest success. And to those who join us in the stands, may they experience every point intensely. Because once again, Tenerife awakens emotions.”

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GREAT TENNIS RETURNS TO TENERIFE FROM FEBRUARY 1 TO 15, 2026

JOIN THE TOURNAMENT:

The purchase of tickets is possible online on the www.entradas.com website from December 24, 2025 and at the Abama Tennis Academy box office open from January 31st, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.;
Until January 9th, all tickets will have a 20% discount.
To access it is necessary to present the paper or digital ticket;
Each ticket holder can access the Tenerife Stadium (center court) and to all other courts.
Children under 12 years old have free access without reservation.

For more details see TERMS AND CONDITIONS *

PROGRAM

February 1, 2026 – from 10:00 am [Qualifiers]

February 2, 2026 – from 10:00 am [Quali and First Round Main Draw singles]

February 3, 2026 – from 10:00 am [First Round Main Draw singles and doubles]

February 4, 2026 – from 10:00 am [Second Round Main Draw singles and doubles]

February 5, 2026 – from 11:00 am [Second Round Main Draw singles and quarters doubles]

February 6, 2026 – from 11:00 am [Quarters Main Draw singles and double semi-finals]

February 7, 2026 – from 11:00 pm [Main Draw singles semifinals and double final]

February 8, 2026 – 11:00 am [Main Draw singles final]

February 9, 2026 – from 10:00 am [Quali and First Round Main Draw singles]

February 10, 2026 – from 10:00 am [First Round Main Draw singles and doubles]

February 11, 2026 – from 10:00 am [Second Round Main Draw singles and doubles]

February 12, 2026 – from 11:00 am [Second Round Main Draw singles and quarters doubles]

February 13, 2026 – from 11:00 am [Quarters Main Draw singles and double semi-finals]

February 14, 2026 – from 11:00 pm [Main Draw singles semifinals and double final]

February 15, 2026 – 11:00 am [Main Draw singles final]

To receive information, please contact the Ticket Office ticket@meftennisevents.com

Tickets can be purchased exclusively online on the entradas.com website.

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MELWANI: “TOURISM AND SPORT, A UNIQUE OFFER ON THE ISLAND”

TENERIFE CHALLENGER PRESENTED

MELWANI: “TOURISM AND SPORT, A UNIQUE OFFER ON THE ISLAND”

DANIEL CAVERZASCHI GUEST OF THE TOURNAMENT ON FEBRUARY 1 AND 2

Tenerife, January 30, 2025 – The Tenerife Challenger tournaments were presented in the Salon Noble of the Cabildo de Tenerife. These ATP Challenger 75 tournaments are organized by MEF Tennis Events on the hard courts of the Abama Tennis Academy and will be held from February 2 to 16. Representatives of Turismo de Tenerife, the main sponsor of the events, participated in the press conference: Dimple Melwani, Tenerife Tourism CEO, and Lope Afonso, vice president of the Cabildo de Tenerife and Tourism counselor. They were joined by Brendan Breen, director of Abama Golf and Tennis; Candela Garrido Castillo, technical director of the Canary Islands Tennis Federation; Miguel del Prado Trallero, president of the Tenerife Island Tennis Federation; and David Marrero, former ATP number 5 in doubles.

Tenerife Tourism in support of tennis – The vice president and councilor for Tourism of the Cabildo de Tenerife, Lope Afonso, states that: “Tennis and professional sporting events are an attraction for the destination. This event is a great opportunity for Tenerife and they implement numerous activities that enhance the image of Tenerife for millions of fans of this sport.” Afonso adds that the Tenerife Challenger offers “an unforgettable experience for all attendees. From the opportunity to meet tennis stars face to face and to explore the charms of Tenerife. The tournament fuses the best of sport and leisure in a single event on the island.” For the CEO of Tenerife Tourism, Dimple Melwani, “the island offers an exceptional environment to enjoy the best tennis, thanks to a mild climate that, throughout the year, allows you to enjoy excellent outdoor facilities and host international sporting events such as the ATP Challenger.” The CEO of the tourism entity adds that these tournaments will allow attendees, as well as those who follow the tournament through the different communication channels, “to get closer to the natural jewel that is our island, with diverse landscapes, volcanic beaches and unique enclaves to discover, our Teide National Park and endless scenarios to explore.” For Melwani, it is a great satisfaction that this year, promising Canarian tennis players, to whom the organisation has assigned wild cards, will also be taking part in the tournaments.

Daniel Caverzaschi as a guest of the tournament – On 1 and 2 February, wheelchair tennis champion Daniel Caverzaschi will be one of the stars of the Tenerife Challenger. The Spanish number 9 tennis player in the world, born in 1993, has represented Spain at the Paralympic Games on four occasions. In 2024 he won the bronze medal in the doubles tournament in Paris, while his 2025 season began with the final of the Australian Open in the same specialty. On 1 February, Caverzaschi will hold a clinic with wheelchair tennis players, as well as with adults and children without disabilities. On 2 February, after the first match of the qualifying phase, he will offer a small exhibition with David Marrero on the Centre Court.

Abama Tennis Academy, the home of the Tenerife Challenger – One of the symbols of the Tenerife Challenger is Abama Tennis Academy, which has been the home of the tournament for many years, with its seven hard courts and its exceptional setting. In 2021, the WTA 250 organised by MEF Tennis Events at the club was awarded as the best women’s tournament in this category. In addition, over the years, many top-level players, such as Brandon Nakashima, Fabio Fognini and Martín Landaluce, have been protagonists of the events. “First of all, I would like to thank Turismo de Tenerife for supporting tennis, contributing to raising the quality of the tournaments more and more,” said Brendan Breen, director of Abama Golf and Tennis. “I am very happy and excited that Abama continues to host many professionals and all the people who come to the club to see them give their all in the fight for victory and to climb the world rankings.”

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CARREÑO BUSTA CHOOSES TENERIFE

ENTRY LIST REVEALED: GARÍN AND RUUSUVUORI ARE ALSO IN THE MEETING
5 CANARIANS WILL RECEIVE AN INVITATION TO THE PRELIMINARY PHASE

Tenerife, January 14, 2025 – Davis Cup champion with Spain, Olympic bronze medallist, Grand Slam semi-finalist, Masters 1000 winner and former Top 10: Pablo Carreño Busta will light up the 2025 edition of the Tenerife Challenger. The first of two ATP Challenger events organised by MEF Tennis Events will be held from February 2 to 9 in the splendid setting of the Abama Tennis Academy and promises to be incredible thanks to a list of high-level participants. Further confirmation that the island has established itself as an elite destination.
However, Carreño Busta will not be the only notable name, Emil Ruusuvuori, Cristian Garín and Dominik Koepfer will also participate. For both tournaments, an increase in prize money has been planned, which now amounts to $100,000 for each event. The support of local authorities, especially Tenerife Tourism, together with the collaboration of the Canary Islands Tennis Federation and the Tenerife Island Tennis Federation, has been fundamental for the realization of both tournaments.
For the first time this year, the best players from the Canary Islands will have an invitation to debut on the Challenger circuit. For the first week, the Canary Islands Tennis Federation has chosen Noah López Cherubino, Canary Islands Absolute Champion, and Saúl Pacheco Benasayag, Canary Islands Junior Champion. For the second tournament, the Federation has awarded the invitations to the two players with the best national classification in the absolute category: David Aguiar Johansson and Miguel García González. In addition, in the week of February 9-16, the organization has granted a wildcard to the champion of Tenerife, Samuel García Hernández.

Entry List with 4 former Top 50 players, all ready to return to the top – At 33 years old and with a great desire to return to his best level, the presence of Pablo Carreño Busta in Tenerife is not a simple formality. The tennis player from Gijón, currently competing in the Australian Open, returned last May after undergoing surgery on his elbow. In just a few months he managed to climb back up to number 182, proof that his return to the Top 100 is only a matter of time. Thanks to his protected ranking, Carreño Busta continues to participate in the most prestigious tournaments on the circuit, which makes his choice of Tenerife strategic: the goal is to play, get back into rhythm and win. Davis Cup champion with Spain in 2019 and bronze medallist at the Tokyo Olympics (where he defeated Novak Djokovic in the match for third place), Carreño Busta was also the protagonist of a memorable victory at the Montreal Masters 1000 in 2022, his seventh ATP title.
However, he will not have it easy on the island. Among the participants stands out Cristian Garín, former world number 17 and winner of five ATP titles. After qualifying for the main draw of the Australian Open, the 28-year-old Chilean tennis player starts from position number 150 in the rankings, determined to climb positions.
In addition, Emil Ruusuvuori, out of competition since the end of July, is ready to return. The Finn born in 1999, who reached number 37 in the world in 2023, returns to the Challenger circuit after a 2024 truncated by injuries. Former Top 50 player and tournament number one seed, Dominik Koepfer, currently ranked 124th in the ATP rankings, will also be present in Tenerife. On Spain’s side, in addition to Pablo Carreño Busta, Javier Barranco Cosano and Alejandro Moro Cañas will participate, completing a solid local representation.

“A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” – Noah López Cherubino and Saúl Pacheco Benasayag will open the dances in Tenerife. “I am very excited and eager to make a good impression,” said Cherubino, 18. “I want to take advantage of the opportunity granted by the Canary Islands Tennis Federation, and I think that playing at home will be an added element. I am not afraid, because I would like a very competitive match, whoever my opponent is. I started playing in Lanzarote and now I train at the Fariones Sports Centre with Félix López. My career is starting now and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Saúl Pacheco, Junior Canarian champion and student of the Tenier Tennis Academy in Tenerife, is equally grateful: “For me, playing a Challenger is a dream come true. You spend your whole life sacrificing many things to prepare for such an important event. I hope it will be as fun a match as possible. I will surely face a very tough opponent, but I think the first thing will be to enjoy the moment. This is a very important opportunity for my growth and, with the whole team, we are proud, also because it will be an opportunity to verify my level by comparing it with that of the professionals.”

The fifth Canarian, who will compete in the qualifying phase of Tenerife Challenger 2 thanks to an invitation, is Samuel García Hernández, the island’s absolute champion. “I am very excited to participate in this tournament – said the tennis player who trains at the Santa Cruz Ofra Sports Complex and the Real Club Náutico de Tenerife –. I am sure that it will be an unforgettable experience and I want to thank both the Canary Islands Federation and MEF Tennis Events for the opportunity. I think it is fantastic that the Cabildo de Tenerife promotes these events that are very important on a social and sporting level.”

The jewel of the Canary Islands Tennis Federation – The president of the Canary Islands Tennis Federation, José Sepúlveda, could not be more satisfied: “We are very satisfied and also grateful for the collaboration we are carrying out with MEF Tennis Events and I cannot wait for the start of the tournaments to watch the best players from the Canary Islands challenge each other with the professionals of the Challenger circuit.”

Never before has Canarian tennis competed on the ATP cadet circuit like this year: “These invitations represent a great opportunity for these athletes to compete in an international environment and continue developing their sporting careers. The Canary Islands have a good tradition in tennis and our goal is to help it continue to be that way.”

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KIDS DAY: TENNIS AND INCLUSION

AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE FOR TENNIS SCHOOLS

The Tenerife Challenger opens its doors to tennis schools in the Canary Islands – The dream of many boys and girls who practice sports is to meet those who have made that dream come true. Young tennis fans from the Canary Islands will have the opportunity to experience a day in close contact with the professional tennis players participating in the ATP Challenger Tour tournaments that will take place in Guía de Isora, Tenerife. The organization of the tournament, together with the Tenerife Tennis Federation and the Canarian Tennis Federation, will involve the tennis schools of the Canary Islands with the KIDS DAY!

The novelty of Tenerife Challenger 2 and 3 is the presence of IODA Tenerife, an association that promotes values such as Inclusion, Leisure and Adaptive Sports. Children will have the opportunity to test their wheelchair tennis skills playing with IODA athletes.

Instructors and representatives of tennis clubs will be able to register their tennis school for one or more days, choosing between February 18 February 19 and February 26. Registration is done by filling out the attached form. A contact person will then contact the group leader to finalize the details of the visit to the Tenerife Challenger.

The KIDS DAY program varies by day and includes:
– PRACTICE SESSION WITH PLAYERS FROM TENERIFE CHALLENGER AND WHEELCHAIR TENNIS: The tennis schools that join will be able to dribble with the champions of the ATP Challenger tournament (30 minutes)
– PHOTO WITH THE PRO PLAYER: During and at the end of training, the boys will take photos with the players. Photos will be sent via link to the reference teacher.
– AUTOGRAPH SESSION: Each boy/girl will be given a ball autographed by one of the tournament players.
– FREE ENTRY: Each participating child will be given a free pass for the entire day. Each participant can bring two companions who will be allowed free access throughout the day.

**** HOW TO REGISTER: To register for the initiative, simply complete the attached form, or send an email to ticket@meftennisevents.com indicating the day of interest, preferred time slot, number of children/teenagers (minimum 8 people) . The contact person will be contacted to confirm the schedule. Registration until February 12 for Tenerife Challenger 2 and 3.

Click here to fill out the form!

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TENERIFE CHALLENGER 2, THE ENTRY LIST REVEALED

TENERIFE CHALLENGER 2, THE ENTRY LIST REVEALED

FROM GIGANTE TO PASSARO, MANY ITALIANS ON THE ISLAND

THERE IS ALSO DE JONG, SINNER’S OPPONENT IN AUSTRALIA

Tenerife, 30 January 2024 – The names that will be part of the Tenerife Challenger 2 have been made official. Having archived the first appointment in January, MEF Tennis Events is ready to double with the two ATP Challenger 75 tournaments which will take place on the Canary island between 18 February and March 3. The Hungarian Zsombor Piros, number 129 ATP, leads the entry list where five Italian tennis players appear. Among these Matteo Gigante, champion in 2023 of one of the events staged at the Abama Tennis Academy, as well as fresh winner of the Nonthaburi 3 Challenger (Thailand). Also present at the starting line is the former ATP number 40 Ilya Ivashka, as well as the promising Daniel Rincón (athlete of the Rafa Nadal Academy) and the Dutchman Jesper De Jong, recently Jannik Sinner’s opponent at the Australian Open. Tenerife Tourism and the Canary Islands therefore continue to focus on sport, and in particular tennis, to help promote an island with an optimal climate, which makes hospitality one of its strong points.

Gigante and Travaglia dream of an encore – One year after challenging each other in the final act of Tenerife Challenger 3, Matteo Gigante and Stefano Travaglia will return to the island as protagonists. The Roman born in 2002 has already left his mark on the hard courts of the Abama Tennis Academy and, thanks to his ATP ranking of number 155, he will be seeded. Despite the defeat in the final, the memories of the Canaries are probably even sweeter for Stefano Travaglia. The tennis player at the Enjoy Sporting Club of Rome, former ATP number 60, got his career back in motion with the result in Tenerife and since then he has climbed more than 200 positions in the world rankings which currently sees him at number 201. The tricolor troop is completed with Franco Agamemenone, Alessandro Giannessi and Francesco Passaro. The spotlight will be on the latter, who a year ago found himself one step away from the Top 100 before suffering from a series of physical problems that prevented him from experiencing the past season to the fullest of his possibilities. Tenerife could be the right springboard to get back on top.

De Jong, from Sinner to Tenerife – Among the players ready to battle in the Tenerife Challenger 2, the name of Jesper de Jong stands out. The Dutchman born in 2000 should lead the lower part of the draw as the number two seed, trying to give continuity to the excellent period that saw him play three Challenger finals in 2023 (the last one won against Benjamin Hassan in Grodzisk Mazowiecki), as well as reaching the main draw of the 2024 Australian Open starting from the qualifiers. In Melbourne, the current ATP number 139 defeated Pedro Cachin (world no. 74) in the first round before crashing into the wall erected by Jannik Sinner, capable of defeating him 6-2 6-2 6-2 on his way towards the first Slam of his career. The first seed will be Zsombor Piros, already winner of four titles in the cadet circuit. The twenty-four-year-old Hungarian, protagonist in the Davis Cup with his national team, will try a new assault on the Top 100 after failing to achieve his goal at the end of last season. Major circuit mission also for the former world number 40 Ilya Ivashka, who at 29 years old may have all it takes to return to the top. The Belarusian boasts Winston Salem’s ATP 250 title in his palmares, as well as highly prestigious scalps such as those of Alexander Zverev, Stanislas Wawrinka, Hubert Hurkacz and Lorenzo Musetti. There will be no shortage of home players, already three waiting for possible wild cards. Pablo Llamas Ruiz, seeded number four, will try to improve on the quarter-finals reached in the first of the three Challengers organized by MEF Tennis Events in the Canary Islands. Behind him also present Daniel Rincon, athlete of the Rafa Nadal Academy and winner of the 2021 US Open Junior, as well as the current ATP n.221 Alejandro Moro Canas.

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TENERIFE CHALLENGER 1, WILD CARD TO FABIO FOGNINI

TENERIFE CHALLENGER 1, WILD CARD TO FABIO FOGNINI
MARCHESINI: “FABIO JOINS OTHER GREAT CHAMPIONS”
THERE IS ALSO LANDALUCE, THE FUTURE OF SPANISH TENNIS

Tenerife, 12 January 2024 – Tenerife Challenger 1 is enriched with another prestigious name at the starting line. Fabio Fognini will land on the Canary Island to play the first of three tournaments organized by MEF Tennis Events on the hard courts of the Abama Tennis Academy, by virtue of a wild card for the main draw granted by the organization. The Taggiasco becomes part of a rich entry list that already included his compatriots Flavio Cobolli and Raul Brancaccio, as well as the promising Abdullah Shelbayh and the champions of the last two editions of the Next Gen ATP Finals Brandon Nakashima and Hamad Medjedovic. Martin Landaluce will also be there in the ATP Challenger 100 which will take place from 14 to 21 January. The Spanish Tennis Federation granted the former under-18 world number one one of the two wild cards at its disposal, the other invitation went to Alejandro Moro Canas.

Fognini joins Cobolli and Brancaccio – For Fabio Fognini, one of the most illustrious names on the Italian tennis scene, the results obtained during his career speak for themselves. Best ranking of number 9 ATP, champion of the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 in 2019 and one of the players with the most appearances in the Italian Davis Cup national team. Despite a year decimated by physical problems, the thirty-six year old from Arma di Taggia has not lost his will to fight. In a 2023 of ups and downs he stood out with the third rounds of the Internazionali BNL d’Italia and Roland Garros, while at the end of the season he closed on a high note with the semi-final in the ATP 250 in Metz and the victory in the Challenger in Valencia in end of November. Currently at position number 105 ATP, the Ligurian is chasing a return to the Top 100 which has been missing since April last year, and in Tenerife he will join Flavio Cobolli and Raul Brancaccio representing the Italian troop on the island. “For us it is a joy to return to host so many great champions – said the President of MEF Tennis Events, Marcello Marchesini –, to whom Fabio has now been added. We will find ourselves in a splendid place like the Abama Tennis Academy, which in 2021 allowed us to win the award as the best WTA 250 tournament of the season. All this would not be possible without the help of the Government of the Canary Islands and the support of Tenerife Tourism, who have renewed their trust in us also for 2024″.

Wild card in the main draw also for the talented Landaluce – Martin Landaluce has been added to the large group of interesting young people ready to battle it out in Tenerife. The Spaniard, former world number one under 18 and champion of the US Open Junior 2022, will take to the court in Tenerife thanks to a wild card granted to him by the Spanish Tennis Federation. During 2023, Landaluce had the opportunity to play in the first round of the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid by virtue of a wild card, which was joined shortly afterwards by the first round of the ATP 250 in Umag. The alternation between these tokens in the major circuit and the first victories in the Challenger circuit, culminating with the quarter-finals in Alicante and Valencia, allowed him to become the first tennis player born in 2006 to enter the Top 500 (now n.443) . “I have to say a big thank you to the Spanish Federation and its president Miguel Diaz Roman – added Marcello Marchesini -. The intense collaboration we are having contributes to the spectacle we will see on the pitch, and with their important help we are increasing the number of Challenger tournaments in Spain, which is now like a second home for us.” The Iberian presence in Tenerife is enriched with further names to keep an eye on. The Spanish Federtennis also granted a wild card for the main draw to Alejandro Moro Canas (current number 230 ATP), while the two invitations for the qualifiers went to Pol Martin Tiffon and Daniel Merida Aguilar (number 235 and 439 ATP respectively). Also fighting for access to the main draw will be Tomas Quesada (an athlete originally from Gran Canaria) and Kenay Ortiz (tennis player from the Tenerife Tennis Academy), both of whom will be awarded a wild card by the organisation.

Tickets and season tickets to enjoy great tennis in Tenerife are available on the website www.tenerifetennis.com

For any information you can write to ticket@meftennisevents.com

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HALYS AND COBOLLI LEAD THE TENERIFE CHALLENGER 1 ENTRY LIST

Photo Daniele Combi

GREAT TENNIS RETURNS TO THE CANARY ISLANDS
HALYS AND COBOLLI LEAD THE FIRST ENTRY LIST
TWO CHAMPIONS OF THE NEXT GEN FINALS AT THE START

Tenerife, 26 December 2023 – The Tenerife Challenger 1 entry list is official. After the success of last season, the ATP Challenger circuit returns to the hard courts of the Abama Tennis Academy with the three tournaments organized by MEF Tennis Events. The first ATP Challenger 100, scheduled from 14 to 21 January 2024, will be followed by two ATP Challenger 75s (from 18 to 25 February and from 26 February to 3 March 2024). The Frenchman Quentin Halys, former number 61 in the world rankings, leads the seeding in which the Italians Flavio Cobolli and Raul Brancaccio are present. Spain will be the protagonist with three hosts: Pedro Martinez, Pablo Llamas Ruiz and Daniel Rincon. There is a lot of curiosity about the Jordanian talent of the Rafa Nadal Academy Abdullah Shelbayh, as well as the winners of the 2022 and 2023 Next Gen ATP Finals, Brandon Nakashima and Hamad Medjedovic respectively. The return of professionals to Tenerife coincides with the restyling of the Abama Tennis Academy; the Abama Resort has in fact completed the construction of a new covered area near the central court and a restaurant dedicated to the players (Restaurante Tágara) just before the entrance to the courts. An important investment to increasingly welcome athletes, tourists and enthusiasts.

Cobolli among the favorites on the island, for Brancaccio it’s like home – Exactly one year after his participation in the Tenerife Challenger, Flavio Cobolli returns to the Canary island with a different awareness. The Roman tennis player, current ATP number 101, comes from an important season which saw him enter the top 100, reaching the best ranking of 95 in the world, but also playing two Challenger finals (winning the second trophy of the circuit in Lisbon cadet). Between April and June 2023 he first reached the quarter-finals of the ATP 250 in Munich, then the main draw of the ATP Masters 1000 in Rome and Roland Garros. Precisely in France he faced the former world number one Carlos Alcaraz, coming out defeated inside the prestigious Philippe Chatrier. For Raul Brancaccio it will almost be a home tournament. The tennis player from Torre del Greco has an important connection with Spain (he lives in Valencia and trains at the GTennis Academy) and will try to exploit the public’s sympathy to repeat the Tenerife Challenger 2 final reached in 2023. There is great curiosity for the performances of Abdullah Shelbayh, Brandon Nakashima and Hamad Medjedovic. The Jordanian was the protagonist of an excellent 2023 which saw him participate in the Next Gen ATP Finals and win a Challenger tournament in Charleston, gaining over 250 positions in the rankings. Current number 195 in the world, the point in common between Shelbayh and Spain is the Rafa Nadal Academy, a fixed base for his training. The last two winners of the Next Gen ATP Finals will also take to the court on the hard courts of the Abama Tennis Academy: the American Nakashima, champion of 2022, currently number 134 in the world, and the Serbian born in 2003, Medjedovic, protagonist of a 2023 studded with three Challenger titles and the triumph in the event dedicated to the best under 21s in the world.

Marchesini inaugurates 2024: “A joy to start again in Tenerife” – The President of MEF Tennis Events, Marcello Marchesini, can’t wait to start a new season: “For us it is always a joy to accompany the start of a new season with three tournaments in Tenerife, just like what happened last season. The events consolidate our relationship with the island and are an opportunity to see champions and promising young players up close.” The bond between MEF Tennis Events and the Abama Tennis Academy is increasingly strong. The constant organization of important events has favored further improvements for the areas adjacent to the fields of a club that is even better equipped this year: “We are very happy with the collaboration with Abama, which for 2024 has increased the services within its club. This year there will be a covered restaurant dedicated to the players (Restaurante Tágara), as well as a new covered area behind the center court. The environment will also be more comfortable for the many fans and tourists who will come to experience these three weeks of great tennis.”

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THE 2024 SPANISH CHALLENGER CALENDAR WILL START IN TENERIFE

Abama Tennis Academyin the south of the island of Tenerifewill host three circuit tournaments during the first quarter of 2024 ATP Challenger, organized by MEF Tennis Events. On this occasion the calendar will be made up of a Challenger 100 and two tournaments Challenger 75.

Of the January 14 to 21 The ATP Challenger 100 will be held. The two ATP Challenger 75 will be held consecutively between the February 18 and 25the first and among the February 26 and March 3, the second. The event will host around 220 professional tennis players, both recognized stars and some of the best promises in the world.

MEF Tennis Events, a company specialized in organizing ATP, WTA and ITF tournaments in Italy, reinforces its commitment to Tenerife as European headquarters. The facilities have seven fast lanes Flexipave surface on which the games are played Australian and United States Open. In addition, the center court has a capacity of 600 spectators.

In 2024, the ATP Challenger Tour circuit has 147 tournaments Worldwide.

In the first and second edition of these tournaments, in 2022 and 2023, great world-known tennis players participated, such as Fernando VerdascoFeliciano LopezTallon Griekspoor (current 24 ATP and tournament winner in 2021), Matteo Arnaldi (winner in 2023 and current 41 ATP) and players like Joao SousaElias Ymer or Benoit Paire.

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