Rising Star
From Humble Beginnings to Stardom: The Inspiring Journey of Ignacio Buse
Explore the incredible story of the 21-year-old Peruvian sensation.
October 24, 2025
Photo credit: Álvaro Isidoro/FPT
Ignacio Buse: Two-Time ATP Challenger Tour Champion
By Grant Thompson
On a pleasant September afternoon in Lima, Peru, the nation’s Davis Cup team faced an uphill battle against Portugal. In front of a spirited home crowd, Ignacio Buse sealed the tie with a memorable victory over Nuno Borges, triumphing in the stadium named after his family—the Estadio Hermanos Buse—honoring both his grandfather Eduardo and twin brother Enrique, both of whom were tennis enthusiasts.
Eduardo made history competing at major tournaments as far back as 1942, gracing the grass courts of the West Side Tennis Club during the US National Championships. Although Ignacio never met his grandfather, the legacy he left has undoubtedly inspired the Buse family’s rich tennis tradition.
Despite the stadium bearing his family’s name, Buse’s journey began at the Country Club de Villa, where he trained alongside his father, Hans. The family story took a different turn when Hans relocated to Miami in 2019 to work at the Royal Palm Tennis Club.
“I cherish the best moments spent with my dad,” Buse reminisced. “Before each practice, we would engage in mini tennis battles. I often felt frustrated, but those games brought me joy, and my dad was always eager to train after our fun.”
Currently ranked World No. 111, Buse stands as Peru’s premier player in the PIF ATP Rankings. He primarily competes on the ATP Challenger Tour, where he has secured two titles this season. His ambition for 2025 is to finish the year within the Top 150—a goal he is on track to surpass.
As a junior, Buse broke into the Top 10 but faced a crucial decision in 2022: pursue collegiate tennis or turn professional. After encountering visa complications for U.S. college enrollment, he made the bold choice to chase his professional dreams, an impressive feat for a player hailing from a country with just five athletes reaching the Top 100 since 1973.
“It felt like a dream—a distant reality. Initially, I wanted to pursue college tennis, but when that opportunity slipped away, I decided to go pro at 18,” Buse reflected.
Making his Challenger debut in 2022 while ranked outside the Top 1,400, Buse faced off against top-seeded Federico Coria in a home match in Lima. Although he emerged with a loss, he left the court with newfound confidence.
“That match ignited my belief that I could succeed,” he said.
Now residing in Barcelona, Buse considers his father his greatest mentor. After recently competing in his first Grand Slam at the US Open, where he faced sixth seed Ben Shelton, he remains grounded, adhering to the core values instilled by his parents.
Ignacio Buse has made quite an impression in Seville! ✍️#ATPChallenger | @CopaSevillaCh pic.twitter.com/WIwdw9HkV5
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) September 6, 2025
“Above all, stay humble,” advised Buse. “This lesson, taught by my mom and dad, emphasizes that humility is demonstrated through actions, not words. Recognition doesn’t elevate your worth above others; we all share equal importance.”
This philosophy extends throughout Buse’s family. His uncle, Gaston Acurio, an acclaimed chef known globally, boasts over a million followers on Instagram. Buse holds Acurio in high regard, not only for his culinary skills but also for his humanitarian efforts.
“He isn’t my idol just for his cooking; it’s his willingness to uplift others that impresses me,” Buse noted. “His foundation in Peru helps aspiring chefs without financial means, providing training and opportunities in renowned restaurants globally.”
With the holiday season around the corner, Buse eagerly anticipates gathering with family and enjoying Acurio’s exquisite culinary creations.
“It feels like a celebration,” Buse expressed. “His dishes are masterpieces crafted from recipes passed down from his grandmother, whom I never had the pleasure of knowing.”
Sitting around the table adorned with family, Buse can reflect on a remarkable 2025 season filled with personal growth and triumph.
“If someone had told me I’d be where I am today, I wouldn’t have believed it,” he admitted. “I initially aimed for a Top 150 finish. Despite a rocky start this year, we focused on improvement and persevered through the process.”
Ignacio Buse shines bright at the Heilbronn Challenger in June. Credit: Elias Hoh Media/NECKARCUP
