Ignacio Buse advanced to the final of the ATP 250 tournament in Winston-Salem, marking a milestone that Peruvian tennis had not achieved on a hard court in 22 years. Ranked No. 36 in the world, Buse secured his place in the championship match by defeating France’s Benjamin Bonzi in a three-set semifinal battle, according to reports from tournament coverage.
The victory halts a two-decade drought for Peruvian players on the hard-court surface at the tour level. The last player from Peru to reach a hard-court final was Luis Horna, who accomplished the feat in Long Island back in 2004, tournament records show.
How Buse Clinched the Winston-Salem Final
The semifinal match against Bonzi featured fluctuating momentum across three sets at the Wake Forest University Tennis Complex. According to match reports, Buse dominated the opening set 6-2, utilizing a varied repertoire that included drop shots, volleys, smashes, and passing shots to dismantle the Frenchman’s rhythm. A vocal contingent of Peruvian fans filled the stands, chanting “Vamos Nacho” and “Perú, Perú” throughout the opening exchanges.
However, Buse shifted gears in the decisive third set. After saving four break points in the opening game, Buse broke Bonzi’s serve, established a commanding lead, and closed out the final set 6-1 to seal the victory.
Historical Context for Peruvian Tennis
Reaching the title match at the ATP 250 event in Winston-Salem stands as the second singles final appearance of Buse’s professional career.
The tournament serves as a crucial final warm-up event ahead of the upcoming US Open.
What Lies Ahead in the Tournament
He will face the winner of the other semifinal fixture between Australian player James Duckworth and France’s Arthur Fery. Official tournament schedules dictate that the final will determine the 2026 Winston-Salem champion ahead of the main draw at Flushing Meadows.
