VILLENA/STARNBERG, September 30, 2025

The Alicante Ferrero Challenger delivered one of its most surprising days on Tuesday. In a vibrant atmosphere on the Carlos Alcaraz Centre Court, the tournament’s top two seeds, Jan-Lennard Struff and Nicolas Jarry, were knocked out in the opening round.

One of the day’s biggest revelations was young Edas Butvilas, a player who has trained in Alicante, as he stunned top seed Struff with a commanding performance, winning 6-4, 6-2 in 65 minutes. Meanwhile, Chile’s Jarry also failed to progress, falling to Germany’s Tom Gentzsch 7-6(4), 6-3 in two hours and three minutes.

Spain’s Daniel Merida also impressed, defeating Britain’s Ryan Peniston with authority 6-4, 6-2. Showcasing brave and effective tennis, the young Spaniard has established himself as one to watch in the coming rounds.

Elsewhere, Darwin Blanch of the United States was unable to complete his comeback against an inspired Italian lucky loser Luca Potenza, who closed out the match 6-4, 7-5.

Pablo Carreno Busta enjoyed a positive return, producing a solid performance on the Carlos Alcaraz Centre Court to defeat Dali Blanch 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in one hour and 47 minutes.

The emotional highlight of the day came from Albert Ramos-Vinolas, who played one of the final tournaments of his professional career at the JC Ferrero Tennis Academy against Polish qualifier Maks Kasnikowski. Following his 6-2, 6-4 defeat, he was honored in a heartfelt ceremony on Centre Court alongside Juan Carlos Ferrero and academy founder Antonio Martinez Cascales, receiving warm applause from the fans and deep respect from across the circuit.

Fitting send off

It’s time to hail Spain stalwart @albertramos88 on his final professional season#ATPChallenger | @Ferreroacademy | @juankiferri pic.twitter.com/OrsIlxol6r

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) September 30, 2025