VALENCIA/STARNBERG, October 6, 2025
The opening day of the Copa Faulcombridge 2025 delivered a major surprise as top seed and defending champion Pedro Martinez was eliminated in his first match of the tournament. Albert Ramos Vinolas, playing what was expected to be the final event of his professional career, produced a stunning performance to defeat the defending champion 6-4, 6-2 on a packed Pista Pablo Andujar at the Valencia Tennis Club.
At 37 years old, the former World No. 17 showed flashes of his trademark clay-court brilliance, using his experience and determination to extend his farewell tour — at least for two more days. His victory means local fans will get another chance to see the Catalan compete one last time on Wednesday.
Top seed toppled
Albert Ramos-Vinolas powers past Martinez 6-4, 6-2 to advance in Valencia#ATPChallenger pic.twitter.com/F0x8DjNsHW
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) October 6, 2025
Beyond Ramos Vinolas’ emotional triumph, the day was equally successful for Spanish tennis as a whole. Every local player competing in the main draw earned a victory. Pablo Llamas defeated Ignacio Buse 6-4, 6-4; Carlos Lopez Montagud overcame Elmer Moller by the same score; and Pol Martin Tiffon outlasted Stefano Travaglia in a thrilling 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 battle. The home crowd celebrated a perfect record for Spanish players across all courts.
In qualifying action, four more players secured their spots in the main draw after winning both of their matches. Spain enjoyed another clean sweep as Miguel Damas defeated Czech player Jonas Forejtek 6-3, 6-3, while Carlos Sanchez Jover battled past Vladyslav Krutykh 6-1, 6-7, 6-3. Joining them in the main draw are Cezar Cretu, Sumit Nagal, Henri Squire, and Ivan Gakhov (Russia).
