GUAYAQUIL/STARNBERG, November 13, 2025
At the foot of the Guayas River, the official presentation of the XXI Challenger Ciudad de Guayaquil Copa Banco Guayaquil took place this Thursday at PORTO Restobar. The ATP Challenger Tour tournament, sponsored by the Municipality of Guayaquil, will be held from November 17 to 23 on the clay courts of the Guayaquil Tenis Club Anexo.
The event gathered numerous media representatives and featured speeches from tournament director Andres Gomez, organizer Luis Adrian Morejon, Carlos Moran (Director of Sports for the Municipality of Guayaquil), Maria Gracia Lotuffo (Deputy Manager of Communications at Banco Guayaquil), Maria Gracia Cozzarelli (Brand Manager at Stella Artois), and Héctor Solorzano (President of Guayaquil Tenis Club).
“This tournament has become a tradition — in the city, the country, and across South America,” said Gómez. “It is the oldest Challenger event in the region held continuously, which reflects the trust of the ATP, the Municipality of Guayaquil, and the private sector. For 21 consecutive years we’ve kept this event alive, thanks to everyone who supports it. The Guayaquil Tenis Club is our home, and this tournament truly belongs to the entire city — the sports capital of the Americas.”
This year’s lineup includes the 2024 finalists: Federico Gomez of Argentina (defending champion) and Tomas Barrios Vera of Chile, both returning to Guayaquil where they have previously excelled. Gomez (ATP No. 270), a three-time Challenger champion, reached a career-high of No. 133 earlier this year and will aim to defend his title. Barrios (ATP No. 111), who has claimed seven Challenger titles — three of them this season — is seeking a return to the Top 100 to secure direct entry into the 2026 Australian Open.
Ecuadorian Davis Cup players Alvaro Guillen Meza and Andres Andrade will also compete, adding local flavor and excitement. Guillen arrives in strong form, reaching back-to-back semifinals in Lima and defeating World No. 43 Sebastian Baez in Montevideo, while Andrade will look to improve on his quarterfinal run in last year’s event.
¡Guayaquil vibra con el Challenger 2025!
La XXI edición del torneo internacional de tenis se jugará del 17 al 23 de noviembre en el Guayaquil Tenis Club, con la participación de destacados deportistas de Latinoamérica.
Organizado por Andrés Gómez y Luis Adrián Morejón, el… pic.twitter.com/IuXOzoKjL0
— Muy Ilustre Municipalidad de Guayaquil (@alcaldiagye) November 12, 2025
“We’re proud to celebrate 21 consecutive editions — not even the pandemic stopped us,” said tournament organizer Luis Adrian Morejon. “There’s a lot of hard work behind what everyone sees. I’m pleased that ESPN continues to trust in our event. They’ll broadcast the semifinals and final live throughout Latin America, giving both the tournament and the city of Guayaquil greater visibility.”
Carlos Moran, speaking on behalf of the Municipality and Mayor Aquiles Alvarez, added: “We’re very proud to once again be part of this tournament. Despite some challenges, teamwork — one of the key values of sport — made it possible. We’re delighted to host another edition of the Challenger Ciudad de Guayaquil.”
Maria Gracia Lotuffo, Deputy Manager of Communications at Banco Guayaquil, reaffirmed the institution’s long-standing support: “For Banco Guayaquil, it’s an honor to sponsor the 21st edition of the Challenger Ciudad de Guayaquil. Since 2009, we’ve proudly been the tournament’s longest-standing sponsor, reinforcing our commitment to Ecuadorian sports and tennis.”
