Garin Joins Elite Group with Six Challenger Titles This Season
Struff, Kozlov, and Watanuki celebrate victories this week on the Challenger circuit.
November 17, 2025
Miguel Zamora/Legión Sudamericana
Cristian Garin celebrated his fourth Challenger title this season at the Uruguay Open.
By ATP Staff
This past Sunday, Cristian Garin clinched victory at the Uruguay Open in Montevideo, tying for the most Challenger titles this season with fellow competitors.
The former world No. 17 triumphed over Peru’s Ignacio Buse with a score of 6-7(3), 6-2, 6-2, marking his impressive comeback into the Top 100 after an 18-month absence. A win for Buse would have secured his first ranking within the Top 100.
At 29, Garin successfully thwarted Buse’s aspirations, adding another trophy to his collection, bringing his total to eight Challenger titles, including previous victories in Mauthausen, Oeiras, and his home event in Antofagasta this year.
“I’m proud of the effort and excited for what’s ahead,” Garin expressed in an Instagram post reflecting on his 2025 journey. “Thank you to all my supporters. See you in ’26.”
Seeded fifth in Montevideo, Garin exhibited resilience, rallying from a set down in three of his last matches. After plummeting to World No. 214 in April, he is now on course for a spot in the main draw of the Australian Open.
Challenger Singles Titles Leaders, 2025
In addition to Garin’s success, another former Top 25 player, Jan-Lennard Struff from Germany, secured his seventh Challenger title at the ALL IN OPEN Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in Lyon.
Struff, who reached a career-high No. 21 in June 2023, bested British qualifier Liam Broady with a score of 6-4, 6-4 in the finals.
From left: Liam Broady, former No. 5 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, and Lyon champion Jan-Lennard Struff. Credit: All In Group
Kozlov Claims First Title Since 2021 at Familiar Venue
American Stefan Kozlov marked a triumphant return by winning his first Challenger title in four years at the Paine Schwartz Partners Challenger, the same event he conquered in 2021. The 27-year-old, having saved a match point in his quarter-final against Darwin Blanch, clinched the title by overcoming former Arizona State standout Murphy Cassone 7-6(3), 7-5.
Daniil Glinka Makes History as Third Estonian Challenger Champion
At the Challenger Banque Nationale de Drummondville, Daniil Glinka became the third Estonian to earn a Challenger title, following Mark Lajal and Jurgen Zopp. The 25-year-old lefty achieved a career-high No. 191 in the ATP Rankings after defeating Canadian wild card Duncan Chan 6-4, 6-2 in the final.
Watanuki Captures Kobe Challenger for the Third Time
Japan’s Yosuke Watanuki capped off a remarkable week at the Hyogo Noah Challenger in Kobe, winning the tournament for the third time, having previously claimed victory in 2019 and 2022. The 27-year-old secured the title with a 3-6, 6-1, 6-4 win over Elias Ymer.
Bolt Starts Australian Swing with Home Triumph
The Australian hard-court swing kicked off at the Brisbane QTC Tennis International, where local favorite Alex Bolt emerged champion, not dropping a set throughout the tournament. He secured his first Challenger title since June 2021, defeating Tung-Lin Wu 6-3, 6-3 in the final.
New week, new opportunities 💯
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