OLBIA/STARNBERG, October 16, 2025
The action is intensifying in Sardinia as the Olbia Challenger moves into its decisive phase after Wednesday’s rain delays. Thursday’s packed schedule featured strong performances from top seed Alejandro Tabilo and defending champion Martin Landaluce, who both advanced at the Tennis Club Terranova.
The morning began with Landaluce and Pablo Carreno Busta resuming their matches. Landaluce defeated Justin Engel 7-5, 7-5 to book his place in the second round, while Carreno Busta overcame Italian wild card entry Pierluigi Basile 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3.
Local wild card Carlo Alberto Caniato pushed Nerman Fatic to a deciding set before eventually falling 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. On the Cloto Arena, Frenchman Luca Van Assche produced one of the upsets of the day, defeating second seed Vit Kopriva 6-3, 6-2.
Tabilo Battles Through
Top seed Tabilo had to work hard to reach the quarterfinals. The World No. 73 overcame qualifier Daniil Glinka 6-3, 5-7, 6-1 in just over two hours.
The first of the class marches on
Another win in Sardinia for Alejandro Tabilo, who defeats qualifier Daniil Glinka 6-3 5-7 6-1 #tennis #OlbiaChallenger #ATPChallenger #Olbia #Sardegna pic.twitter.com/1PtcR4SU3p
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) October 16, 2025
“I’m happy because I showed that I’m there physically and mentally,” said Tabilo. “My opponent played great tennis and made things difficult, but I stayed focused until the end to close it out. Being the top seed adds a bit of pressure, which is normal. I just want to keep my concentration high and try to go all the way.”
Next, he will face Carreno Busta.
“ I know Pablo very well, it’s going to be a good match. I’ll watch his match to study my tactics and find a way to win.”
Landaluce Starts Title Defense Strong
Defending champion Landaluce resumed his rain-delayed first-round match against Engel and closed it out in straight sets.
“I’m not used to waiting so long — yesterday was a tough day with a lot of uncertainty,” Landaluce said. “Justin started very strong, and the rain delay gave me time to reorganize and change tactics. Today, I went on court with a very different mindset, and it helped me get the win.”
The Spaniard, currently No. 110 in the ATP Rankings, is determined to defend his title and continue his push toward the Top 100.
“Defending the title means I did something really positive last year. It’s a kind of pressure I accept gladly. I don’t want to look too far ahead — I have another match in a few hours, so I’ll eat, rest as much as possible, and get ready for another battle.”
THURSDAY RESULTS
Singles – First Round
Pablo Carreno Busta (6) def. Pierluigi Basile (WC) 6-2, 6-7(5), 6-3
Martin Landaluce (3) def. Justin Engel 7-5, 7-5
Singles – Second Round
Alejandro Tabilo (1) def. Daniil Glinka (Q) 6-3, 5-7, 6-1
Pablo Carreno Busta (6) def. Luka Pavlovic 3-6, 6-1, 6-2
Martin Landaluce (3) def. Borna Gojo 6-3, 3-6, 6-3
Dusan Lajovic (7) def. Alex Molcan 7-6(6), 6-4
Nerman Fatic def. Carlo Alberto Caniato (WC) 3-6, 6-3, 6-3
Hugo Grenier def. Norbert Gombos (Q) 7-6(4), 6-1
Edas Butvilas def. Arthur Gea (NG) 6-4, 3-6, 6-3
Luca Van Assche def. Vit Kopriva (2) 6-3, 6-2
Order of Play | Friday 17 October pic.twitter.com/PpzySUAJsx
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) October 16, 2025
