Spanish tennis rising star Martin Landaluce, 18, made history by winning the ATP Challenger Tour 125 event in Olbia, Italy, joining an elite group of Spaniards, including Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz, who achieved Challenger success at 18 or younger. His victory came after defeating Mattia Bellucci 6-4, 6-4 in the final, making Landaluce the youngest Spanish Challenger champion since Alcaraz in 2021.
Landaluce’s victory places him in the ranks of past young Spanish champions, including Nadal, Alcaraz, Tommy Robredo, and Nicolas Almagro. All four players eventually reached the Top 10 in the PIF ATP Rankings. This milestone is particularly significant for Landaluce, the 2022 US Open boys’ singles champion, as he continues his rise in professional tennis.
After his title win, Landaluce jumped to eighth in the PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah, positioning him well for the 20-and-under Next Gen ATP Finals this December. Despite facing the physical challenge of playing both the semi-final and final on the same day due to rain delays, Landaluce displayed remarkable composure, claiming a hard-fought victory in his milestone match.
Reflecting on his success, Landaluce shared: “I was able to enjoy it a lot with a high level… I played a very good point and I finished it in the best way, which is very, very nice.” His triumph solidifies him as one of the brightest young talents in Spanish tennis, following in the footsteps of legends like Nadal and Alcaraz.
Sportship at its finest 🇪🇸🤝 Spanish stars backing the next generation#OnTheRise | @RafaelNadal | @carlosalcaraz | @MartinLandaluce pic.twitter.com/1rBp4aQbek
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 21, 2024
Martin Landaluce in 2024
Now the world no.158 (career-high), Martin played his last match on the 20th of October when he beat world no.102 Mattia Bellucci 6-4 6-4 in the final of the Olbia Challenger to win his 1st challenger.
This year Martin has achieved a composed 36-21 record. Martin clinched 2 titles in 2024 Vila Real de and the Olbia Challenger.
Martin Landaluce will face the world no.128 Laslo Djere in the 1st round. They have never competed against each other as of now in top events.
Landaluce has won 2 titles in 2024 Vila Real de and the Olbia Challenger.
Martin Landaluce |
| Embed from Getty Images |
Martin Landaluce in 2024
Currently the world no.158 (career-high), Martin played his last match on the 20th of October when he defeated world no.102 Mattia Bellucci 6-4 6-4 in the final of the Olbia Challenger to win his 1st challenger.
This season Landaluce achieved a 36-21 record. Landaluce conquered 2 titles in 2024 Vila Real de and the Olbia Challenger.
Martin Landaluce will play the world no.128 Laslo Djere in the 1st round. In the past, they have never competed against each other until now in top competitions.
Landaluce conquered 2 titles in 2024 Vila Real de and the Olbia Challenger.
Martin Landaluce |
| Embed from Getty Images |
