A two-time semi-finalist at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, Luca Van Assche returned to the winner’s circle of the ATP Challenger Tour on Sunday with a marathon victory against former world number 10 Pablo Carreno Busta.
The 21-year-old, who reached the last four in Jeddah for the past two years, won the Olbia Challenger in Italy to lift his first trophy at that level since March 2023. Van Assche defeated Carreno Busta 7-6(5), 6-7(1), 6-2 in a three-hour, 14-minute battle that marked the Spaniard’s second Challenger final defeat in 16 appearances.
“It was an incredible match against Pablo. He is an incredible fighter,” said Van Assche, a four-time Challenger champion. “It was very difficult until the end. I’m very happy to have won today. It was a big achievement for me. Lots of ups and downs since my last Challenger title, so I’m very happy to win here in Olbia. It’s been a long way since two years ago.”
Spanish teenager Jodar increases the chances in Jeddah
#NextGenATP Spaniard Rafael Jodar improved his position in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah following his title run at the Lincoln Challenger. The 19-year-old overcame American Martin Damm 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-3 in the final to claim his second Challenger title in the past three months.
“It feels great, I’m super happy with how the week went,” Jodar said. “I felt very good during all the matches. I dealt with the important moments very well. I know it is always complicated to win a Challenger because you have to win five matches, you have to have a bit of luck, you have to play at your best all week. It is difficult. I am very happy because it means that the work I do during the season is paying off.”
Jodar rises nine places to ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah, boosting his chances of making his first trip to the Next Gen 20 and Under ATP Finals presented by PIF.
Trophy time for Rafa Jodar?#ATPCchallenger | @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/cvODPSHx8H
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 19, 2025
Jodar, last season’s U.S. Open boys’ singles champion, is a sophomore at the University of Virginia. He is leading five classes this semester while competing in college and professional tournaments.
Vallejo ends a dominant week in Brazil
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo dropped just one set all week to win the Copa Internacional de Tenis in Curitiba, Brazil. The 21-year-old Paraguayan, now a two-time Challenger champion, defeated Brazilian Pedro Boscardin Dias 6-3, 7-5 in the final on clay.
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo celebrates winning the Curitiba Challenger. Credit: João Pires/sup>
“I competed really well all week,” Vallejo said. “I had some really good wins, especially in the first round I beat Emilio Nava, who is in the Top 100. I also beat [Tomas] Barrios Vera, who won the title in Cali last week. In the semi-finals and finals I played against local players. I am very happy with the week and the way I competed.”
Jacquet claims the third title of 2025
Frenchman Kyrian Jacquet won his third Challenger trophy of the year at the Shenzhen Tennis Open. The 24-year-old downed home hope Zhou Yi 6-3, 6-3 in the final. In February, Jacquet captured back-to-back titles in India, triumphing at the Chennai and New Delhi Challengers. He is ranked No. 151 in the PIF ATP Rankings, nine spots away from equaling his career high.
Kyrian Jacquet wins the Shenzhen Challenger. Credit: Shenzhen Tennis Open
Wendelken wins the first Challenger trophy
Britain’s Harry Wendelken claimed his first Challenger title at the Hersonissos Challenger 6 in Greece, with the 23-year-old making the most of a lucky loser’s spot. Wendelken, who played seven matches in eight days, defeated Czech Maxim Mrva 6-4, 6-3 in the final. Following his victory, Wendelken rose 105 places to career-high No. 341 in the PIF ATP Rankings. Mrva, 18, entered the draw through the Next Gen Accelerator.
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