VILLENA/STARNBERG, October 4, 2025
The crowd at the JC Ferrero Tennis Academy witnessed an exciting day of tennis on Saturday at the Alicante Ferrero Challenger. No. 3 seed Pablo Carreno Busta delivered a brilliant performance to end the run of Czech qualifier Petr Brunclik 6-4, 6-3, showcasing solid and passionate tennis throughout the match.
The 34-year-old Spaniard, cheered on by a packed and enthusiastic crowd, was in complete control from start to finish. Every point he won drew loud applause, and with the confidence of playing at home, Carreno Busta reminded everyone why he remains one of the standout players developed at the JC Ferrero Tennis Academy, where he trained from 2016 to 2024. He won 56 per cent of the total points played to prevail after one hour and 25 minutes. With this victory, the former World No. 10 secures a spot in Sunday’s final, where he will aim to lift a new trophy on the very courts where his career blossomed.
PCB final feeling
Home hero @pablocarreno91 fends off Brunclik 6-4, 6-3 #ATPChallenger | @Ferreroacademy | @RFETenis pic.twitter.com/neIlzInNHS
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 4, 2025
For Brunclik, just 19 years old, this week marks the best result of his career so far. The young Czech leaves Villena with newfound recognition and plenty of momentum heading into the next events of the season.
Carreno Busta’s opponent in the final will be France’s Hugo Grenier, who also had a memorable evening. The Frenchman overcame eighth-seeded Spaniard Daniel Merida in a hard-fought battle, rallying from 1-4 down in the second set to win 6-4, 7-6(4). Grenier, who will contest his third final in Alicante, has an impressive record at this ATP Challenger Tour tournament, with 14 wins and just three losses.
Sunday’s final promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Spanish fans fondly remember past national finalists such as Carlos Alcaraz and Pedro Martínez in 2020, and now, with Carreno Busta back “home,” they dream of seeing one of their own lift the trophy once again.
In doubles, the day concluded with Sander Gille and Sem Verbeek claiming the title after a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Czech duo Petr Nouza and Patrick Rikl in 63 minutes. By winning their first team title, Gille and Verbeek split €7,220 in prize money and earned 100 ATP Doubles Ranking points.
