Japan’s Rei Sakamoto ended his season in style on Sunday as he claimed an ATP Challenger Tour title on home soil. The 19-year-old triumphed at the YOKOHAMA KEIO CHALLENGER by MITA KOSAN, becoming the first Japanese teenager to win three Challenger titles.
Seeded second, Sakamoto rallied from a set down in his final three matches of the week. He fought his older compatriot Kaichi Uchida 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 in a championship match lasting two hours and fifteen minutes.
“I’ve had a lot of ups and downs this year, but in the end I fought hard,” Sakamoto wrote in an Instagram post reflecting on his 2025 season. “I appreciate all the support from everyone around me. I can’t wait for the offseason and what 2026 will bring!!”
Rei Sakamoto makes history for Japan ??
The 19-year-old becomes the first Japanese teenager ever to win three Challenger titles!#ATPCchallenger pic.twitter.com/rYmaWWC9kg
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) November 23, 2025
Sakamoto, 10th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Jeddah, won two Challenger trophies this year, with his previous victory coming in Cary, North Carolina.
Former No. 4 Kei Nishikori also competed in Yokohama, where he reached the quarterfinals before falling to Uchida. Nishikori was in action for the first time since the Cincinnati Open.
Maestrelli crowned champion in Bergamo
Italian Francesco Maestrelli won the 20th anniversary edition of the Internazionali di Bergamo, a tournament that stars such as Jannik Sinner, Matteo Berrettini, Holger Rune and Jack Draper have previously won.
Francesco Maestrelli wins the Bergamo Challenger, which celebrated its 20th anniversary. Credit: Antonio Milesi
The 22-year-old Maestrelli defeated German Marko Topo 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in the final and now sits at career No. 138 in the PIF ATP rankings.
Vallejo, 21, reaches a career high after winning the Guayaquil title
Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo is also on a career high after his latest victory. The 21-year-old captured the Challenger Ciudad de Guayaquil, escaping Juan Pablo Varillas 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-3 in a marathon final lasting two hours and 59 minutes. Vallejo is now number 143 in the PIF ATP rankings.
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo in action at the Guayaquil Challenger. Credit: Challenger city Guayaquil
Heide wins at home in Brazil without dropping a set
Brazilian Gustavo Heide has completed a dominant week on home soil at the ENGIE Open in Florianopolis. The 23-year-old secured his second Challenger title and first of the season with a 6-2, 6-3 final victory against Argentine Andrea Collarini. Heide’s first Challenger title run came last year in Asuncion, where he defeated compatriot Joao Fonseca in the championship match.
Gustavo Heide celebrates winning the Florianopolis Challenger. Credit: Luz Press Luiz Candido
Duckworth equals active title record at Challenger level
James Duckworth lifted his 17th Challenger trophy, tying Facundo Bagnis for the most titles among active players at that level. Duckworth didn’t drop a set all week at the NSW Open in Sydney, closing the tournament with a 6-1, 6-4 victory against 20-year-old Hayato Matsuoka.
James Duckworth during the Sydney Challenger final. Credit: Jake Lim/Tennis Australia
Former world number 1 Lleyton Hewitt came out of retirement in Sydney to team up with his 16-year-old son Cruz Hewitt in doubles. Lleyton and Cruz won their opening round match before falling in the quarterfinals. Cruz also competed in the singles main draw, recording his second match victory at that level.
Kolar conquers second title of 2025
The Czech Zdenek Kolar returned to the winner’s circle for the second time this year. The 29-year-old won the III Challenger Montemar ENE Construccion in Montemar, Spain, beating Gianluca Cadenasso 6-4, 6-4 in the final.
Samuel, a former college standout, earns his first Challenger trophy
Former University of South Carolina star Toby Samuel claimed his first Challenger crown in Soma Bay, Egypt. The 23-year-old Briton outlasted compatriot Jay Clarke 4-6 7-6(4) 6-0 in the final. Samuel now sits at career-high 329 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
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