LISBON/STARNBERG, September 28, 2025
Vilius Gaubas captured his third ATP Challenger career title, and his second of 2025 after the Open Menorca, with a stirring comeback at the ninth edition of the Lisboa Belem Open. In front of a packed CIF Stadium crowd firmly behind local favourite Henrique Rocha, the 20-year-old Lithuanian rallied for a 6-7(3), 6-3, 6-4 victory after three hours and four minutes.
Gaubas, ranked World No. 165, trailed in every set but kept his composure at the key moments to deny the Portuguese rising star his first home title. Rocha led 5-3 in the opening set, 1-0 with serve in the second and 2-0 in the decider, yet Gaubas broke back each time to shift the momentum.
Ainda não foi desta que o Lisboa Belém Open (o Challenger mais antigo do país, nona edição) teve um campeão português.
Vilius Gaubas vence Henrique Rocha por 6-7(3), 6-3 e 6-4 após 3h04 e conquista o terceiro título da carreira a este nível. pic.twitter.com/zHNGNenyF9
— Gaspar Ribeiro Lança (@gasparlanca) September 28, 2025
The result added a special twist for Gaubas, who spent six formative years in Tavira, Portugal, between the ages of nine and fifteen. “It feels almost like winning at home because I grew up here,” he said after lifting the trophy. “After losing the first set I almost stopped believing, but I convinced myself to make an extra effort and in the end it was worth it. I was ready for a stadium full of Portuguese fans cheering for him, so I just kept fighting until the end.”
Known for his aggressive forehand and fighting spirit, Gaubas has long been familiar with Rocha, they were born in the same year and competed often as juniors. Sunday’s win cements his status as one of the brightest talents of his generation and should push him close to his career-high ranking of World No. 143.
With the trophy secured, Gaubas will now head to the Braga Open carrying confidence and momentum from his latest triumph. He took away from Lisbon €20,630 in prize money as well as 100 ATP Ranking points.
