MURCIA/STARNBERG, March 15, 2026

The seventh edition of the Challenger Costa Calida Region de Murcia got underway on Sunday at the Real Murcia Club de Tenis 1919 in Murcia, Spain, with the opening round of the qualifying competition.

The first day of play marked the start of another edition of the ATP Challenger Tour event, which throughout the week will bring together a strong international field. Players competing in the qualifying rounds will learn on Monday whether they have secured a place in the main draw.

Leading the field as the tournament’s top seed is the Netherlands’ Jesper de Jong, one of the prominent names on the Challenger circuit. Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta will compete as the third seed. The Asturian, a former world No. 10 and two-time semifinalist at the US Open, brings extensive experience from the ATP Tour and is among the most accomplished players in the draw.

The tournament also suffered a late withdrawal, as Spain’s Carlos Taberner, the defending champion, was ultimately unable to compete this year.

Several players with ties to the host club will also feature in the main draw, including Ivan Gakhov, Andrea Pellegrino, Raul Brancaccio, Javier Barranco and Nikolas Sanchez, who will have the opportunity to play in front of the local crowd during a week dedicated to top-level international tennis.

Throughout the week, the Challenger Costa Calida Region de Murcia will once again position the city as an important stop on the ATP Challenger Tour. Entry to the tournament is free until capacity is reached, giving fans the opportunity to enjoy high-level professional tennis at the club’s facilities.