Challenger
Martin Landaluce Blazes a Trail to Jeddah with Orleans Challenger Victory
Young Spanish sensation ranked fifth in PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah
September 29, 2025
Philippe Montigny/Co’met Orleans Open
Martin Landaluce proudly raises his artistic trophy — a cherished custom at the Co’met Orleans Open.
By ATP Staff
Spaniard Martin Landaluce has taken a significant step towards qualifying for the prestigious Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, clinching victory at the ATP Challenger Tour 125 event in Orleans, France.
The 19-year-old surged three places to secure the fifth spot in the PIF ATP Live Race to Jeddah, conquering top seed Raphael Collignon with a score of 6-7(6), 6-2, 6-3 in the thrilling final of the Co’met Orleans Open.
Landaluce celebrated his second Challenger title, but this one was particularly special — a true masterpiece. Marking its 20th anniversary, the Orleans Challenger maintains a unique tradition where each champion is awarded a specially commissioned painting from a local artist. Landaluce’s trophy was a striking red depiction, featuring a pyramid of 20 tennis balls, symbolizing the tournament’s two decades of excellence, crafted by artist Natacha Toutain.
A champ and his trophy 🏆 #ATPChallenger | @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/D5WSmhZ1sf
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) September 28, 2025
“I’m not much of an art collector at home, but now I’ve got plenty of space for it!” Landaluce remarked with enthusiasm. “I think it’s stunning, very vibrant. I might hang it in the gym since that’s where I train the hardest, and this trophy is a reflection of that effort.”
“I mentioned yesterday that my goal was to bring this trophy home, and I did just that. It’s incredible. This tournament is truly special, and being its champion is an honor.”
A former junior No. 1, Landaluce won the boys’ singles title at the US Open in 2022. He secured his first Challenger victory last October in Olbia and is now setting his sights on qualifying for the 20-and-under Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF, set to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from December 17-21.
The Madrid native is on the verge of breaking into the Top 100, currently positioned at No. 111 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
“I believe I’ll get there if I keep playing hard and pushing myself daily,” Landaluce shared about his Top 100 aspirations. “I try not to fixate on goals because once I achieve one, new ones arise. It’s important for me to stay focused on my performance and be the best version of myself.”
Spizzirri Closing in on Top 100 After Jingshan Victory
American Eliot Spizzirri is also approaching the Top 100, following his recent success at the Jingshan Open. The 23-year-old, a standout from the University of Texas, finished back-to-back seasons as the No. 1 player in ITA singles rankings (2023, 2024), defeating Australia’s Alex Bolt 6-4, 6-4 in the final. Spizzirri, a two-time Challenger champion, stands at No. 105 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings.
Eliot Spizzirri competes at the Jingshan Challenger. Credit: Jingshan Open
Shelbayh Claims Second Title, First in Two Years
Abdullah Shelbayh celebrated his return to triumph after two years by winning the Las Vegas Tennis Open. The left-handed player defeated Alex Rybakov from the USA with a score of 6-2, 6-4. Shelbayh made history two years ago by becoming the first player from Jordan to win an ATP Challenger Tour title.
Gaubas Outlasts Home Favorite Rocha in Lisbon Final
Lithuanian Vilius Gaubas captured his third Challenger title in a grueling three-hour contest at the Del Monte Lisboa Belém Open, overcoming local contender Henrique Rocha 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4. Gaubas, currently ranked World No. 165, is the highest-ranked Lithuanian in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Vilius Gaubas revels in his Lisbon Challenger win. Credit: Álvaro Isidoro/FPT
Burruchaga Triumphs in Buenos Aires After Defeating Five Countrymen
Roman Andres Burruchaga capped a remarkable week on home turf at the Buenos Aires Challenger, where he cruised through the tournament without losing a single set. He defeated fellow Argentine Alex Barrena 7-6(4), 6-3 in the final, claiming his second trophy at this level.
Roman Andres Burruchaga celebrates his triumph in Buenos Aires. Credit: Buenos Aires Challenger
