SANTOS/STARNBERG, May 13, 2024

Alejo Lorenzo Lingua Lavallen has claimed his maiden title on the ATP Challenger Tour by winning the 2024 Santos Brasil Tennis Cup. In a match between two first-time finalists, the 23-year-old Argentine qualifier defeated No. 8 seed Hady Habib from Lebanon 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday.

The title match was held on the clay courts of the Santos Tennis Club in scorching 34°C heat. Lingua Lavallan overcame a slow start, broke his rival’s serve four times and won one point more to secure victory in exactly two hours of play.

A moment @AlejoLingua2 will never forget 🥲#ATPChallenger | @AATenis pic.twitter.com/xmvGJeuKK6

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) May 12, 2024

World No. 665 Lingua Lavallen has claimed three singles titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour and eight in doubles, but his career was significantly impacted by the loss of his father three years ago, which left him lacking motivation for the sport. However, he made a strong comeback in 2024, winning another ITF World Tennis Tour M15 tournament before making his mark in Brazilian Challenger events. His journey in Santos saw him defeat several favorites, including Porto Alegre runner-up Daniel Dutra da Silva and the third, seventh, and second seeds en route to the final.

“I still can’t believe I’ve won the title. When I arrived at the club and saw all those champions’ names on the board, I was mesmerized. Now my name will be up there too. I’m still nervous; it’s still hard to believe I’ve won my first title. I want to thank the fans who supported me; I don’t know why they were on my side, but it was great to see. Thank you, Santos,” Lingua Lavallen said.

With his victory in the Santos Brasil Tennis Cup, Lingua Lavallen earns 50 ATP Ranking points, propelling him to 446th place, his highest ranking to date. Lavallen received a prize purse of $5,660, while Habib took home $3,350 and 25 ATP ranking points.