ATP Challenger Tour
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The Challenger Tour events are the second-highest tier of tennis competition, behind the ATP Tour and ahead of the ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments. The ATP Challenger Tour is administered by the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Players who succeed on the ATP Challenger Tour earn sufficient ranking points to enter the main or qualifying draws at ATP Tour tournaments. Players on the Challenger Tour are typically young players looking to advance their careers, those who fail to qualify for ATP events, or former ATP Tour players looking to return to the top tour.
Contents
• Records
• See also
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History of challenger events
The first challenger events were held in 1978, with eighteen events taking place. Two were held on the week beginning January 8, one in Auckland and another in Hobart. The next events were held one at a time beginning June 18 and ending August 18 in the following U.S. locations, in order: Shreveport, Birmingham, Asheville, Raleigh, Hilton Head, Virginia Beach, Wall, Cape Cod, and Lancaster. Events continued after a one-month hiatus with two begun September 24 and 25, one in Tinton Falls, New Jersey, and in Lincoln, Nebraska, respectively. The following week saw one event played, in Salt Lake City, then two played simultaneously in Tel Aviv and San Ramon, California, then one played the following week in Pasadena. A final event was played a month later in Kyoto. In comparison, the 2008 schedule saw 178 events played in more than 40 countries.
Partnerships with ITA and ITF
In efforts to further the progression of college and junior players into the professional tour, the ATP Challenger Tour has partnered with the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to give players more opportunities on the professional tour. Those that finish in the top 10 of the end-of-year college rankings are now eligible for six wild cards into the main draw of Challenger events, and if they have finished their college education, they receive 8 of those wild cards. Those that finish in the 11 through 20 range of the collegiate rankings are eligible for six qualifying wild cards, with those who have completed their college education being eligible for eight wild cards.cite-ref-3[3]
Much like the partnership with the ITA, the Challenger Tour also partnered with the ITF. This partnership granted those with year-end rankings inside the top 10 in the world eligible for eight main draw Challenger Tour wildcards, and those who finished the year between 11 and 20 in the world receiving eight Challenger Tour qualifying wildcards.cite-ref-4[4]
Prize money and ranking points
In 2022, during the most numerous season in the tour's history,cite-ref-2022-review-5-0[5] the ATP Tour announced an overhaul of the tournaments system from 2023 season. Challenger 110 and Challenger 90 events were scrapped, Challenger 80 reduced to the Challenger 75 while the prize money requirements for it and Challenger 100 were increased. It also introduced the new highest category − Challenger 175 to be inaugurally held in the second week of Indian Wells, Rome and Madrid ATP Tour Masters 1000 events.cite-ref-6[6]
The new points system is as follows:
| Tournament category | Singles | Singles | Singles | Singles | Singles | Singles | Singles | Singles | Singles | Singles | Doubles | Doubles | Doubles | Doubles | Doubles |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tournament category | W | F | SF | QF | R16 | R32 | R48 | Q | Q2 | Q3 | W | F | SF | QF | R16 |
| Challenger 175 | 175 | 100 | 60 | 32 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 0 | TBP | TBP | TBP | TBP | TBP |
| Challenger 125 | 125 | 64 | 35 | 16 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 125 | 75 | 45 | 25 | 0 |
| Challenger 100 | 100 | 50 | 25 | 14 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 100 | 60 | 36 | 20 | 0 |
| Challenger 75 | 75 | 44 | 22 | 12 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 75 | 50 | 30 | 16 | 0 |
| Challenger 50 | 50 | 25 | 14 | 8 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 50 | 30 | 17 | 9 | 0 |
Player quality
Players have usually had success at the Futures tournaments of the ITF Men's Circuit before competing in Challengers. Due to the lower level of points and money available at the Challenger level, most players in a Challenger have a world ranking of 100 to 500 for a $35K tournament and 50 to 250 for a $150K tournament. An exception happens during the second week of a Grand Slam tournament, when top-100 players who have already lost in the Slam try to take a wild card entry into a Challenger tournament beginning that second week.
Tretorn Serie+
In February 2007, Tretorn became the official ball of the Challenger Series, and the sponsor of a new series consisting of those Challenger tournaments with prize money of $100,000 or more. They renewed the sponsorship with the ATP in 2010 and extended it until the end of 2011.
Records
Most singles titles
| Position | Player | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lu Yen-hsun | 29 |
| 2 | Dudi Sela | 23 |
| 3 | Paolo Lorenzi | 21 |
| 4 | Carlos Berlocq | 19 |
| 5 | Go Soeda | 18 |
| 6 | Maximo Gonzalez | 17 |
| 6 | Blaz Kavcic | 17 |
| 6 | Facundo Bagnis | 17 |
| 8 | Takao Suzuki | 16 |
| 8 | Aljaz Bedene | 16 |
Most matches won
Updated as of 10 May 2024
| # | Matches won | Years |
|---|---|---|
| 423 | Rubén Ramírez Hidalgo | 2000–2017 |
| 421 | Paolo Lorenzi | 2003–2021 |
| 409 | Go Soeda | 2004–2022 |
| 369 | Lu Yen-hsun | 2002–2018 |
| 363 | Facundo Bagnis | 2009–2024 |
| 350 | Carlos Berlocq | 2002–2019 |
| 328 | Filippo Volandri | 1999–2016 |
| 325 | Blaž Kavčič | 2007–2022 |
| 323 | Rogério Dutra Silva | 2006–2019 |
| 321 | Dudi Sela | 2003–2022 |
| 306 | Horacio Zeballos | 2006–2017 |
| minimum 300 wins | minimum 300 wins | minimum 300 wins |
Oldest champions
| Player | Age | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Ivo Karlović | 39 years, 7 months | Calgary 2018 |
| Fernando Verdasco | 38 years, 3 months | Monterrey 2022 |
| Richard Gasquet | 38 years, 2 months | Cassis 2024 |
| Dick Norman | 38 years, 1 month | Mexico City 2009 |
| Stéphane Robert | 37 years, 8 months | Burnie 2018 |
| Fabio Fognini | 37 years, 6 months | Montemar 2024 |
| Bob Carmichael | 37 years, 6 months | Hobart 1978 |
| Stéphane Robert | 37 years, 5 months | Kobe 2017 |
| Tommy Robredo | 37 years, 1 month | Parma 2019 |
| Tommy Robredo | 37 years, 1 month | Poznań 2019 |
| Marin Čilić | 36 years, 8 months | Nothingham 2025 |
Youngest champions
| Player | Age | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Michael Chang | 15 years, 7 months | Las Vegas 1987 |
| Richard Gasquet | 16 years | Montauban 2002 |
| Bernard Tomic | 16 years, 4 months | Melbourne 2009 |
| Kent Carlsson | 16 years, 7 months | New Ulm 1984 |
| Marcos Ondruska | 16 years, 7 months | Durban 1989 |
| Richard Gasquet | 16 years, 8 months | Sarajevo 2003 |
| Rafael Nadal | 16 years, 9 months | Barletta 2003 |
| Richard Gasquet | 16 years, 10 months | Napoli 2003 |
| Félix Auger-Aliassime | 16 years, 10 months | Lyon 2017 |
Youngest to win multiple titles
| Player | Age | Title |
|---|---|---|
| Richard Gasquet | 16 years, 8 months | Sarajevo 2003 |
| Félix Auger-Aliassime | 17 years, 1 month | Sevilla 2017 |
| Rafael Nadal | 17 years, 1 month | Segovia 2003 |
| Bernard Tomic | 17 years, 3 months | Burnie 2010 |
| Carlos Alcaraz | 17 years, 5 months | Barcelona 2020 |
| Novak Djokovic | 17 years, 5 months | Aachen 2004 |
| Juan Martin del Potro | 17 years, 6 months | Aguascalientes 2006 |
Youngest to win three titles
| Richard Gasquet | 16 years, 10 months | Napoli 2003 |
|---|---|---|
| Carlos Alcaraz | 17 years, 5 months | Alicante 2020 |
| Félix Auger-Aliassime | 17 years, 10 months | Lyon 2018 |
| Juan Martin del Potro | 17 years, 10 months | Segovia 2006 |
| Novak Djokovic | 17 years, 11 months | San Remo 2005 |
List of events
Challenger 175 ($220,000+H / €200,000+H)
Challenger 125 ($164,000+H / €145,000+H)
• Cancún Country Open
• Hall of Fame Open (2025-)
• HPP Open
• Jinan International Open (2017–2019, 2025–)
• Olbia Challenger (2023–2024)
• Porto Open (2023–2024)
• Serve First Open
• San Marino Tennis Open (2001–2014, 2021–)
Challenger 100 ($133,000+H / €118,000+H)
• Cranbrook Tennis Classic (2025-)
• Enea Poznań Open (2025-)
• Jingshan Challenger
• Kozerki Open (-2024)
• Porto Open (2021–2022, 2025-)
Defunct tournaments
• Aberto de Brasília (2009–2010)
• Aberto de Florianópolis (-2012)
• Aberto da República (-2023)
• Aberto Rio Grande do Sul (2012–2015)
• Aberto Rio Preto (2011, 2013)
• Aberto Santa Catarina de Tenis (-2022)
• Aberto de São Paulo (2001–2014)
• Abierto de Puebla (2016)
• Abierto Internacional Varonil Casablanca Cancún (2008-2010)
• Adriatic Challenger (2016)
• Aegon GB Pro-Series Bath (2011-2012)
• Aegon GB Pro-Series Glasgow (2015)
• Aegon GB Pro-Series Loughborough (2010-2012)
• Aegon Nottingham Challenge (2011-2014)
• Aegon Trophy (2009-2014)
• Aegon Manchester Trophy (1995-2009, 2015-2016)
• ATP Challenger China International – Nanchang (2014–2016)
• ATP Challenger Torino (2015–2016)
• Aguascalientes Open (2011)
• Aguascalientes San Marcos Open (2022)
• Alessandria Challenger (-2011)
• Almaty Challenger (2017–2019, 2021)
• Almaty Cup (2007–2009)
• Antalya Challenger (2021, 2023)
• Astana Challenger Capital Cup (2016)
• Astana Cup (2010–2011)
• Banja Luka Open (-2023)
• Beijing International Challenger (2010-2013)
• Belo Horizonte Challenger (-2011)
• Biel/Bienne FlowBank Challenger (2021-2023)
• Buenos Aires Challenger (-2001)
• Brazil Open Series (2010)
• BMW Ljubljana Open (-2011)
• BW Open (2023–2024)
• Belgrade Challenger (2021)
• BSI Challenger Lugano (-2010)
• Campeonato Internacional de Tenis de Santos (2011-2016)
• Canberra Challenger (-2020)
• CDMX Open (2018)
• Challenger de Salinas Diario Expreso (-2023)
• Challenger di Roseto degli Abruzzi (2022-2023)
• Città di Vercelli – Trofeo Multimed (2014-2015)
• Challenger Tenis Club Argentino (2022-2024)
• China International Suzhou (2015-2017)
• Chengdu Challenger (2016-2019)
• Città di Caltanissetta (-2018)
• Claro Open Barranquilla (2011-2016)
• Copa Agco Córdoba (2012, 2014)
• Copa Ciudad de Tigre (2017)
• Copa Gobierno de Córdoba (2014)
• East London Challenger (2008)
• Ethias Trophy (2005–2016)
• Geneva Open Challenger (1992–2014)
• Green World Challenger - Pingguo (2011-2012)
• Grenoble Challenger (1999-2008)
• Guimarães Open (2013)
• GNP Seguros Tennis Open (-2024)
• The Hague Open (-2018)
• Hoff Open (2015–2016)
• Hangzhou Challenger (2024)
• Hua Hin Challenger (2015–2017)
• Indore Open ATP Challenger (2014)
• International Challenger Quanzhou (2017)
• International Tennis Tournament of Cortina (2014-2017)
• Internazionali di Forlì (2020-2021)
• Internazionali di Monza e Brianza (2005–2012)
• Intersport Heilbronn Open (−2014)
• Irving Tennis Classic (2012-2018)
• IS Open de Tenis-São Paulo (2012-2013, 2015)
• IsarOpen (2018)
• Israel Open (2008–2016)
• Ixian Grand Aegean Tennis Cup (2009–2010)
• Jersey International Tennis (2008-2009)
• Jersey International (2008-2010)
• Kaohsiung OEC Open (2012-2019)
• Købstædernes ATP Challenger (-2009)
• Košice Open (-2014)
• Kunming Challenger (2013)
• Lermontov Cup (2012)
• Liuzhou Open (2018-2019)
• Maccabi Men's Challenger (2009)
• Málaga Open (2022-2023)
• Mamaia Challenger (2006-2009)
• Maspalomas Challenger (-2023)
• Melbourne Open (2013)
• Memorial Argo Manfredini (2000-2008)
• Montauban Challenger (-2007)
• Monterrey Abierto GNP Seguros (-2023)
• Naples ITG Challenger (2007)
• New Delhi Challenger (1999–2008)
• Nur-Sultan Challenger (2019–2021)
• Open Città di Bari (2021)
• Open de Guadeloupe (2011-2018)
• Oracle Challenger Series – Chicago (2018)
• Oracle Challenger Series – Houston (2018-2019)
• Oracle Challenger Series – Indian Wells (2018-2020)
• Oracle Challenger Series – New Haven (2019)
• Oracle Challenger Series – Newport Beach (2018-2020)
• Penza Cup (2006-2012)
• Pingshan Open (2014-2019)
• Poprad-Tatry ATP Challenger Tour (2015-2018)
• Rai Open
• RBC Tennis Championships of Dallas (1998-2020)
• RD Open (2017–2019, 2022–2024)
• Sacramento Challenger (2005–2015)
• Samsung Securities Cup (-2013)
• Santaizi Challenger (-2024)
• Santiago Movistar Open (2015–2017)
• Sanremo Tennis Cup (2002-2010, 2022-2023)
• São Paulo Challenger de Tênis (2013-2021)
• Sarajevo Challenger (-2013)
• Soweto Open (2009–2013)
• Sparkasse Salzburg Open (2021–2024)
• Sparta Prague Open Challenger (-2023)
• STRABAG Challenger Open (-2016)
• Status Athens Open (-2011)
• Surbiton (Lexus) Trophy (-2024)
• The Tarka Challenger (2007)
• TEAN International (1996-2017)
• Tennislife Cup (-2011)
• Tianjin Health Industry Park (2014)
• Torneo de Mendoza (2016)
• Torneo Omnia Tenis Ciudad Madrid (-2012)
• Trani Cup (-2011)
• Trofeo Città di Brescia (2014-2017)
• Trofeo Faip–Perrel (2006-2023)
• Trofeo Paolo Corazzi (2008-2011)
• Trophée des Alpilles (2009-2016)
• Torino Challenger (2022)
• UTC Open by Selena (2007)
• Valencia (Santa Clarita) Challenger (2006–2007)
• Valle d'Aosta Open (2011)
• Venice Challenge Save Cup (2014-2018)
• Verrazzano Open (2019)
• Vitas Gerulaitis Cup (2023)
• Voit Mexico City Open (-2007)
• West Side Tennis Club Clay Court Challenger - Forest Hills (2003-2007)
• Wrocław Open (2015–2017)
• Ningbo (Yinzhou) International Men's Tennis Challenger (2011-2012, 2015-2019)
• Yeongwol Challenger Tennis (2013)
• Zagorka Cup (2009)
• ZS-Sports China Challenger - Qingdao (2016–2017)
• Zhuhai Open (2016-2023)
• Togliatti Cup
Other tournaments
• Agri Cup
• Barranquilla Challenger
• Cranbrook Tennis Classic (2023-2024)
• Internazionali di Tennis Città di Verona (2021-2024, 2026-)
• IPP Open
• Jinan International Open (2024)
• Kozerki Open (2025-)
• Winston-Salem Challenger
See also
References
cite-note-11. ↑ "Obituary: Larry Turville". International Tennis Federation. 16 October 2020. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
cite-note-22. ↑ citereffriedman1971Friedman, Charles (25 July 1971). "Satellite Tournaments Provide Outlet for New Talent in Tennis". The New York Times. p. 5. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
cite-note-33. ↑ "ATP & ITA Unite To Accelerate Professional Development For US Collegiate Players | ATP Tour | Tennis". ATP Tour. Archived from the original on 2023-03-28. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
cite-note-44. ↑ "ATP & ITF Collaborate To Accelerate Careers Of Aspiring Players | ATP Tour | Tennis". ATP Tour. Archived from the original on 2022-12-21. Retrieved 2023-03-28.
cite-note-2022-review-55. ↑ "By The Numbers: 2022 ATP Challenger Tour". ATP Tour. 17 December 2022. Archived from the original on 4 January 2023. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
cite-note-66. ↑ "ATP Announces Record-Breaking Challenger Tour Enhancements". ATP Tour. 16 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 4 January 2023.
• ATP 2010 Tretorn SERIE+
• Entry Points and Prize Money Table
• US Open Prize Money
• Article mentioning Agassi's Las Vegas Challenger
• Overview from ATPtennis.com
External links
• Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) official website
• List of Upcoming/Past Challenger events (archived 9 May 2008)