Historic Weekend: Engel Emerges Youngest Challenger Champion Since Ancic-Nadal
Kypson Secures a Record-Breaking 20 Challenger Titles for the U.S. This Season
October 27, 2025
Witters
Engel and Cina Compete in the Youngest Combined Challenger Final in Over Two Decades.
By ATP Staff
The ATP Challenger Tour witnessed a remarkable weekend, marked by an electrifying #NextGenATP final featuring 18-year-olds Justin Engel and Federico Cina. This was the youngest championship match at this level since 2003, when Mario Ancic triumphed over Rafael Nadal, with both finals taking place in Hamburg, Germany.
Sunday was not just a day for memorable matches; it also saw Patrick Kypson claim the U.S.’s 20th Challenger title this year, setting a new record for the most titles won in a single season, a milestone previously held since 2006.
In the ATP 500 in Basel, Joao Fonseca’s victory marked him as the second player since 2014 to win both ATP Tour and multiple ATP Challenger titles in the same year, echoing Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s achievement from the previous year. Fonseca secured titles in Canberra and Phoenix while also clinching an ATP 250 title in Buenos Aires.
Engel became the youngest Challenger winner of 2025 with his stunning victory at the Hamburg Ladies & Gents Cup, defeating Italy’s Federico Cina 7-5, 7-6(4) in the final. At just 18 years and 25 days, he stands as the fifth-youngest German to achieve this feat in Challenger history.
“Every title is monumental, especially my first Challenger win,” Engel remarked. “Cina is an incredible player, and I anticipated a challenging match. This victory enhances the experience, and I couldn’t be happier.”
Youngest Combined ATP Challenger Tour Finals Since 2000
The fourth-seeded Engel showcased remarkable composure throughout the tournament, winning all seven tie-breaks he faced. Following this significant win, Engel advanced three spots to ninth in the PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah, setting his sights on his first appearance at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF.
Kypson, at 25, celebrated his third Challenger title of the season and a total of six in his career with a spirited performance at the MarketBeat Open in South Dakota. He edged out British competitor Johannus Monday 6-7(2), 7-6(4), 7-5 in an exhilarating final. Remarkably, Kypson saved all six break points he faced and seized a decisive break at 5-5 in the third set.
“The match was about fine margins, and I simply continued executing my game plan,” Kypson stated. “In the end, a bit of luck was on my side, and I managed to save those break points to emerge victorious.”
Patrick Kypson celebrates winning the MarketBeat Open, an ATP Challenger Tour 100 event in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Credit: Jason Harris/MarketBeatOpen
After undergoing treatment for a stress fracture in his left foot earlier this year, Kypson managed to recover, climbing from a low point of No. 455 in the PIF ATP Rankings to his current position of No. 146, inching closer to his personal best of No. 133 which he reached in April 2024. The U.S. leads all nations with 20 Challenger titles this year, just ahead of France.
“We’re fortunate to have a strong group of players ranked between the Top 100 and 200, comprising young talent and some seasoned veterans,” Kypson shared. “Winning 20 titles in a single season is quite an achievement.”
Kypson has now joined the ranks of just three Americans since 1978 to win Challenger titles on clay, outdoor hard, and indoor hard courts within the same year, alongside Robby Ginepri (2002) and Michael Russell (2009).
Nishioka Dominates at the Suzhou Challenger:
Japan’s Yoshihito Nishioka enjoyed a stellar week at the Suzhou Challenger 2025, remaining undefeated over five matches to claim his seventh title at this level. The top seed overcame Frenchman Harold Mayot 6-4, 6-4 in the finals. Nishioka, a former world No. 24, is competing in just his fourth Challenger event this season.
Yoshihito Nishioka showcasing his skills at the Suzhou Challenger. Credit: Suzhou Challenger 2025
Burruchaga Closer to Top 100 with Latest Victory:
Roman Andres Burruchaga took a significant step towards breaking into the Top 100 with his victory at the Costa do Sauipe Open in Brazil. He thwarted Adolfo Daniel Vallejo’s nine-match winning streak, securing a convincing 6-1, 6-2 win in the finals. This triumph elevates Burruchaga to a career-high ranking of No. 106 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Roman Andres Burruchaga celebrates his victory at the Costa do Sauipe Challenger. Credit: João Pires
Gaston Triumphs on Home Soil:
French lefty Hugo Gaston continued his impressive form during indoor events on home turf. After reaching the finals in Rennes and Roanne, Gaston claimed his sixth Challenger title at the Brest Open Groupe Vert, defeating American Eliot Spizzirri 2-6, 6-2, 6-1.
“It was a tough match with constant pressure,” Gaston observed. “I fought through in the second set and gradually found my rhythm. Staying engaged throughout was crucial. Winning this tournament means a lot to me, especially as I overcame some doubts along the way.”
Hugo Gaston celebrating his win at the Brest Challenger. Credit: Benjamin Croizet
