OVIEDO, September 1, 2025
Few tournaments in Spain can boast the tradition and endurance of the Copa Real Club de Tenis de Oviedo. First staged in the 1920s, the event has become a reference point in Spanish tennis, not only for its sporting prestige but also for its role in promoting the sport in Asturias. Last weekend, as the 90th edition concluded, the tournament continues to embody a century-long legacy of competition, community, and excellence.
Historical Roots
The tournament was first organized in 1920 at the Real Sociedad Deportiva Asturiana. Thirty years later the Real Club de Tenis de Oviedo was founded. From the outset, the tournament attracted leading Spanish players of the era and quickly earned its reputation as one of the country’s most important amateur and later professional competitions. Over the decades, the Copa Real Club de Tenis de Oviedo has become a showcase for both established names and rising stars, often serving as a proving ground for future champions.
As former Copa Real Club de Tenis de Oviedo tournament director José González del Valle recalls: “In the 1960s and 1970s Asturias was a coal mine region. It was quite strong, which led to the fact that the tournament was promoted quite well. Björn Borg and Stan Smith played here. We were part of the Satellite Circuit and had a great line-up at that time. With the economy going down we are back at ITF level, but we still try to do our best here.”
This historical depth has sparked debate in Spanish tennis circles. As González del Valle points out: “There is a debate in Spain, if the Copa Real Club de Tenis de Oviedo or the Torneo Conde de Godó in Barcelona is the longest running in the country.”
Notable Champions and Participants
The roll of honor at Oviedo reflects the tournament’s status. Legends of Spanish tennis such as Manolo Santana, who later became a Wimbledon and Roland-Garros champion, and Manuel Orantes, a US Open winner, both left their mark in the capital city of Asturias. More recently, players like Roberto Bautista Agut and Pablo Carreño Busta, both former Top 20 ATP professionals, have competed on its courts. The tournament has also welcomed international talents, adding further prestige and global recognition to its history.
From Clay to Tradition
Played on the clay courts of the club’s historic venue, the Copa Real Club de Tenis de Oviedo has always been characterized by its unique atmosphere. Generations of fans gather each summer to watch high-quality tennis, often in conditions shaped by Asturias’ famously unpredictable weather. The clay has tested players’ endurance, patience, and tactical skill, making victories in Oviedo particularly meaningful.
Institutional and Local Support
The tournament has thrived thanks to the enduring support of the Real Club de Tenis de Oviedo, local institutions, and a network of sponsors who recognize the cultural and sporting importance of the event.
Final day of the XV Copa Real Club de Tenis de Oviedo with the opening ceremony – Asturian style #ITFWorldTennisTour #Oviedo @tenisoviedo @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/0c8maBi5xX
— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) August 30, 2025
The 2025 Edition
This year’s 90th edition once again brought together many of Spain’s most promising young players alongside seasoned professionals. In doubles, Benjamin Winter and Pedro Vives Marcos clinched the trophy, while Vives Marcos also impressed in singles, reaching the final against Miguel Damas. After a grueling three-set battle, Damas was crowned champion.
“I’ve been saying it all week: this is the best ITF in Spain,” Damas remarked after lifting the trophy. His words echoed a sentiment long shared by players and fans alike that the Copa Real Club de Tenis de Oviedo is not just a tournament, but a community celebration of tennis.
A Century-Long Legacy
As the tournament concludes its 90th chapter, the Copa Real Club de Tenis de Oviedo remains a vital part of the Spanish tennis calendar. It bridges generations, honors tradition, and continues to inspire the future of the sport. Few events carry such a deep sense of history, and in Oviedo, each edition is not just a competition but a celebration of tennis itself.
