Abama Tennis

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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TENERIFE, THE ATP CHALLENGER TOURNAMENTS IN 2025

INCREASED PRIZE MONEY AND TWO WEEKS OF GREAT TENNIS
WILD CARDS FOR THE BEST TALENTS FROM THE CANARY ISLANDS

Tenerife, January 2, 2025 – Great tennis returns to the Canary Islands, ready to become the heart of the ATP Challenger circuit for two weeks. From February 2 to 16, the hard courts of the Abama Tennis Academy will be the stage for two ATP Challenger 75 tournaments. MEF Tennis Events enthusiastically confirms its tournaments in Tenerife, a charming place that in recent seasons has made many new promises of the world circuit known. Appreciated by athletes for its climate, its locations, its organization and its infrastructure, Tenerife is once again positioned at the world epicentre of this category, with professionals competing for these trophies and displaying their best tennis. Something that will undoubtedly encourage fans to visit the destination during the winter calendar.
In addition, an increase in prize money is planned for 2025, with $100.000,00 at stake for each event, which will add greater prestige to the two competitions. An agreement has also been sealed between MEF Tennis Events and the Canary Islands Tennis Federation, which will include two wild cards for the best tennis players from the islands to participate. In addition, all members of the Royal Spanish Tennis Federation and players from clubs in the archipelago will be able to enjoy a 50% discount on tickets and weekly passes. For the occasion, there will be Kids Days dedicated to the youngest.

The enthusiasm of the Canary Islands Tennis Federation – After 12 ATP Challenger tournaments and 1 WTA 250, awarded in 2021 as the best world tournament in its category, the close alliance between MEF Tennis Events and the Canary Islands continues. This success is a delight for the Canary Islands Tennis Federation, as highlighted by its president, José Sepúlveda: “The initiative carried out by Marcello Marchesini not only benefits the protagonists on the court, but also the many fans who attend the tournaments. I also think of the great players who have passed through here, such as Brandon Nakashima, who after winning the tournament returned to the world Top 50.” With great satisfaction and pride, Sepúlveda also underlined the importance of the agreement for wild cards: “In the 2025 tournaments, some young people will have the opportunity to experience and participate in what a Challenger circuit is like. This experience will be granted to young people who have already proven their worth at a national and international level; for them it will be a privilege.” Regarding the state of health of the Federation, Sepúlveda explains: “The data indicate that we are on the right track. Canary Islands tennis has an excellent tradition with figures such as David Marrero and Carla Suárez Navarro. I think that all the conditions exist for new players to reach the highest levels of the ATP and WTA circuits.” The tournaments will once again be held at the Abama Tennis Academy in Guía de Isora, a destination that, in addition to its top-level tennis courts, is renowned for its Las Terrazas de Abama Suites and Los Jardines de Abama Suites hotels, its top-notch gastronomy, a shopping centre that offers a wide range of restaurants, wellness and leisure facilities, its outdoor Kids Camp and the prestigious golf course designed by Dave Thomas, a sport that is becoming increasingly popular among ATP circuit players.

MEF Tennis Events back in Tenerife – “At the end of 2020, in the midst of a pandemic, we decided to go for a project that might have seemed crazy: bringing great tennis to the Canary Islands! Five years later, we can proudly say that never has an ambition turned out to be so successful.” Marcello Marchesini, President of MEF Tennis Events, fondly recalls the beginning of the tournaments that took place between Gran Canaria and Tenerife: “In these 5 years we have organised, thanks above all to the local authorities and in particular to Turismo de Tenerife and the Government of the Canary Islands, 12 ATP Challenger tournaments and a WTA 250, winner of the award for the best tournament in the world in its category. Our main objectives now are twofold: first, to help the RFET, and in particular the FCT, to quickly develop new local talents who, thanks to our invitations, will be able to take their first steps in professional tennis. Second, to promote the incredible beauties of the island of Tenerife also in all the tournaments that we will organise in Italy in 2025.”

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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 IS BACK. THREE CHALLENGER TOURNAMENTS ANNOUNCED

ALCARAZ: “GREAT PLACE. THE LEVEL WILL BE HIGH”

MARCHESINI: “A RETURN WANTED BY THE PLAYERS”

 

Tenerife, 22 November 2022 – Professional tennis is ready to return to Tenerife. After hosting a WTA 250 and an ATP Challenger event in 2021, the island is back in the spotlight with three tournaments in the early season calendar. MEF Tennis Events consolidates the relationship with the Canary Islands and with the Abama Tennis Academy, which will be the stage of the events. An ATP Challenger 100 will be played on the outdoor hard courts of the renowned facility from 15 to 22 January, while two ATP Challenger 75 will be played from 29 January to 5 February and from 5 to 12 February. The events were presented at the press conference held at the Abama Resort Tenerife, with the number 1 in the world Carlos Alcaraz among the speakers. The announcement of the tournaments is great news for players who, mindful of last season’s success, have been anxiously awaiting Tenerife’s return to the calendar.

 

Alcaraz: “I have great memories of the ATP Challenger circuit” – “I have very good memories of my time in the Challenger Tour and I believe there is no better place for players to compete than Tenerife: the setting is stunning.” There is no doubt for the world number one Carlos Alcaraz, who among his appearances on the ATP Challenger Tour also recalled those in the tournaments in Todi and Gran Canaria in 2020 and 2021, when he was graced with wild cards from MEF Tennis Events. “This is my first time in Tenerife and I was positively surprised, the people are welcoming and the scenery beautiful – the impression of Alcaraz, who chose the island to rest and start recovering from the abdominal injury that prevented him from playing Nitto ATP Finals and Davis Cup -. These days I have been resting. Of course I’m looking forward to getting back on the court, but it’s important to be able to take moments to disconnect at the end of a very long season. I am going to the gym now, but without overdoing it.” During his enforced absence from the tennis courts, the Spanish prodigy has therefore had time to devote his passion for golf on the Abama Golf: “I really enjoy playing and when I can I take time for Golf. Competition with Nadal? I am absolutely not at his level, to get there I need years and a lot of training.”

 

 

Marchesini: “Abama Tennis Academy, a unique location” – The announcement of three tournaments is of course a great satisfaction for Marcello Marchesini, president of MEF Tennis Events: “During last season so many players asked us if we would be able to reorganize the tournaments in Tenerife, this is a testament to the great work done and the beautiful venue. We will play again at the Abama Tennis Academy, a unique place that boasts a Center Court overlooking the ocean.” Among the press conference speakers is proudly attending Carlos Alcaraz, who in his carrer has also participated to MEF Tennis Events tournaments, in fact in 2020 he was the protagonist in Todi and Gran Canaria tournaments: “Announcing these tournaments in the presence of Carlos is a great pleasure and is a confirmation of the importance of the ATP Challenger tour, which in terms of quality of players is close to the major circuit. Alcaraz himself is proof of this. In just over a year Carlos won ATP Challengers to triumphing at the US Open.” Therefore, the anticipation for the start of the new season is growing with the three tournaments that will showcase the island: “For a month Tenerife will be the beating heart of international professional tennis. We thank the Cabildo de Tenerife, Turismo de Tenerife, Real Federación Española, ATP, Ayuntamiento Guía de Isora, Abama Resort management, Federación Insular de Tenis de Tenerife and Federación Canaria de Tenis for the esteem and support they will give to the events.”

 

Brendan Breen’s joy – On a special day for the Abama Tennis Academy, the words of Abama Tennis and Abama Golf director Brendan Breen could not be missed: “For me it is a pride to be here with world number one Carlos Alcaraz. The Abama Resort Tenerife has invested in the facilities to be recognized more and more as an excellence. This is also why the ATP and MEF Tennis Events have once again placed their trust in us by awarding us three ATP Challenger tournaments in 2023. Our goal is to continue to host great events in the future and to do better and better,” remarked the director, who with MEF Tennis Events in 2021 has already taken away the satisfaction of having organized what was awarded as the best WTA 250 of the season. Along with him and Carlos Alcaraz, Pedro Martin, president of the Tenerife Cabildo, and Josefa Mesa, mayor of Guía de Isora, also spoke at the conference.

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