São Paulo, Brazil – Román Burruchaga is one step away from claiming the ATP Challenger title in São Paulo after a commanding semifinal victory over Juan Carlos Prado of Bolivia, 6-3, 6-2. The Argentine is seeking his fourth Challenger title and, more importantly, a return to the top 100 of the ATP rankings.
Burruchaga’s run to the final comes at a crucial juncture in his career. Having experienced early exits in Santiago, Indian Wells, Miami, and Cap Cana, the 24-year-traditional strategically chose the clay-court Challenger in São Paulo, a tournament offering 100 ranking points to the champion. This decision appears to be paying dividends as he continues to build momentum.
In the semifinal match, Burruchaga faced Prado, a rising star in Bolivian tennis currently ranked 206th in the world and projected to climb to the top 195 next week. Prado, a former junior finalist at Roland Garros and a former world No. 1 in the ITF junior rankings, proved a formidable opponent, but Burruchaga’s experience ultimately prevailed.
The match began with Prado taking an early lead, 2-0, but Burruchaga quickly regained control, leveling the score at 2-2 before closing out the first set 6-3. The second set saw a shift in momentum, with Burruchaga initially taking a 2-0 lead, only for Prado to respond and tie the set. However, Burruchaga remained resolute, securing two crucial breaks of serve in the fifth and seventh games to claim the set 6-2 and the match in one hour and 46 minutes.
Standing between Burruchaga and the title is Portugal’s Jaime Faria, who advanced to the final with a 6-4, 6-1 victory over fellow countryman Hugo Dellien. The championship match is scheduled for Sunday at 18:00 local time (21:00 UTC) and will be available for viewing on the Challenger TV platform.
Burruchaga, coached by Leonardo Mayer, has found Brazil to be a fertile ground for success. He secured his first professional titles in the country last season, winning Challengers in Piracicaba and Costa de Sauípe, adding to his triumph in Buenos Aires. This track record suggests a comfort level and confidence on Brazilian clay.
Looking ahead, Burruchaga is also slated to compete in the ATP 250 event in Houston, Texas, beginning next week. The draw has pitted him against Australia’s Adam Walton (ranked 85th) in the first round. This tournament, played on slow courts, presents another opportunity for Burruchaga to climb the rankings.
Also competing in Houston will be Tomás Etcheverry (ranked 32nd), a 2022 finalist at the event. Etcheverry will receive a bye into the round of 16 and will face either China’s Yibing Wu (ranked 118th) or a qualifier. Thiago Tirante (ranked 81st) will open his campaign against local player Colton Smith (ranked 162nd). Federico Gómez (ranked 182nd) successfully navigated the qualifying rounds, defeating Andres Martin of the United States 6-4, 6-4, and will now face Clément Tabur of France for a spot in the main draw.
Guido Justo Falls Short in Bucaramanga
Elsewhere on the Challenger circuit, Guido Justo (ranked 280th) came up short in his bid for a second Challenger title, falling to Chile’s Matías Soto (ranked 323rd) in the final of the Challenger de Bucaramanga, Colombia, 6-3, 6-3. Justo had previously secured his maiden Challenger title in February at the AAT Challenger de Tigre I.
Burruchaga’s performance in São Paulo underscores his determination to regain his position among the top 100 players in the world. With a favorable draw in Houston on the horizon, he will look to continue his momentum and build on his recent successes. The final against Faria promises to be a compelling contest, and fans can tune in Sunday to witness whether Burruchaga can secure his fourth Challenger title and further solidify his comeback.
