challenger
19-year-old Sakamoto wins Challenger title at home
Japanese teenager ranks among seven Challenge champions this week
November 24, 2025
Mita Kosan’s Yokohama Keio Challenger
Rei Sakamoto at the Yokohama Challengers.
Written by ATP Staff
Japan’s Rei Sakamoto ended her season in style by winning the ATP Challenger Tour title in her hometown on Sunday. The 19-year-old won the Yokohama Keio Challenge hosted by MITA KOSAN, becoming the first Japanese teenager to win three challenges.
Seeded second, Sakamoto bounced back from a set loss in her final three matches of the week. He defeated his old compatriot Kaichi Uchida 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-4 in a championship match that lasted 2 hours and 15 minutes.
“I went through a lot of ups and downs this year, but in the end I fought hard,” Sakamoto wrote in an Instagram post looking back on his 2025 season. “Thank you to everyone around me for the support. Can’t wait for the offseason and what 2026 will bring for us!!”
Rei Sakamoto makes history for Japan🇯🇵
The 19-year-old became the first Japanese teenager to win a triple challenge event!#ATPchallenger pic.twitter.com/rYmaWWC9kg
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) November 23, 2025
Sakamoto, who finished 10th at the PIF ATP Live event in Jeddah, has won two Challenger trophies this year, the last of which came in Cary, North Carolina.
Former No. 4 player Kei Nishikori also competed in Yokohama, where he lost to Uchida in the quarterfinals. This is Kei Nishikori’s first tournament since the Cincinnati Open.
Maestrelli crowned champion in Bergamo
Italian Francesco Maestrelli has won the Inter 20th Anniversary Tournament in Bergamo, a tournament that has previously been won by stars such as Jannik Sinner, Matteo Berrettini, Holger Rune and Jack Draper.
Francesco Maestrelli wins the Bergamo Challenger. ” style=”width:100%;” src=”https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2025/11/24/14/10/maestrelli-bergamoch-2025.jpg?w=100%25″>
Francesco Maestrelli won the Bergamo Challenger as the event celebrated its 20th anniversary. Photo credit: Antonio Milesi
The 22-year-old Mastrelli defeated German player Marco Toppo 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in the final. The current PIF ATP ranking has risen to a career-high 138th.
Vallejo, 21, reaches career high after winning in Guayaquil
Paraguay’s Adolfo Daniel Vallejo also hit a career high after his latest win. The 21-year-old claimed the title at Challenger City Guayaquil, defeating Juan Pablo Varillas 7-5, 6-7(7), 6-3 in a marathon 2 hours, 59 minutes final. Vallejo is currently ranked 143rd in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo’s performance at the Guayaquil Challenger. ” style=”width:100%;” src=”https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2025/11/24/14/13/vallejo-guayaquilch-2025.jpg”>
Adolfo Daniel Vallejo’s performance at the Guayaquil Challenger. Image source: Challenger City Guayaquil
Hyde won at home in Brazil without dropping a set
Brazilian Gustavo Heide completes a dominant week on home soil at the ENGIE Open in Florianopolis. The 23-year-old defeated Argentina’s Andrea Collarini 6-2, 6-3 in the final to claim his second Challenger title and first of the season. Hyde’s first Challenge title came last year in Asunción, where he defeated compatriot Joao Fonseca in the championship match.
Gustavo Heide celebrates winning the Florianópolis Challenger. ” style=”width:100%;” src=”https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2025/11/24/14/17/heide-florianopolisch-2025.jpg”>
Gustavo Heide celebrates winning the Florianópolis Challenger. Photo credit: Luz Press Luis Candido
Duckworth ties Challenger-level active championship record
James Duckworth lifted his 17th Challenger Trophy, tying him with Facundo Bagnis for the most titles among active players in the division. Duckworth didn’t drop a set all week at the New South Wales Open in Sydney, defeating 20-year-old Hayato Matsuoka 6-1, 6-4.
James Duckworth in the Sydney Challenger final. ” style=”width:100%;” src=”https://www.atptour.com/-/media/images/news/2025/11/24/14/21/duckworth-sydneych-2025.jpg”>
James Duckworth in the Sydney Challenger final. Photo credit: Jake Lim/Tennis Australia
Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt makes a comeback in Sydney, partnering his 16-year-old son Cruz Hewitt in doubles. Layton and Cruz won their first-round matches but lost in the quarterfinals. Cruz also competed in the singles main draw and earned his second match win in the category.
Kolar wins second title of 2025
Czech Zdenek Kolar returns to the winner’s circle for the second time this year. The 29-year-old won the III Challenger Montemar ENE Construccion in Montemar, Spain, beating Gianluca Cadenasso 6-4, 6-4 in the final.
Samuel, former college standout, wins first Challenger trophy
Former University of South Carolina star Toby Samuel captured the Challenger crown for the first time in Soma Bay, Egypt. The 23-year-old British player defeated compatriot Jay Clark 4-6 7-6(4) 6-0 in the final. Samuel is currently ranked No. 329 in the PIF ATP Rankings, a career high.
