Wind disrupts Open Menorca start and delivers early qualifying upsets
The opening round of qualifying at the Open Menorca ATP Challenger 100 unfolds in demanding conditions at Club Tenis Ciutadella, with notable exits and an open race heading into round two
The II Open Menorca ATP Challenger 100 got its qualifying campaign underway on Monday 30 March at Club Tenis Ciutadella, following the cancellation of the opening day due to strong winds. Weather conditions once again played a decisive role, shaping a first round marked by tight matches, several surprises and a wide-open competitive outlook.
After Sunday’s suspension, play finally began with gusty conditions continuing to affect proceedings throughout much of the morning. The wind disrupted rhythm and consistency, forcing both players and ground staff into a constant battle to keep the clay courts in playable condition.
Results and early upsets
Most of the seeded players progressed, although three notable names were knocked out. Italy’s Samuele Pieri [9] fell to Czech player Andrew Paulson, while Michael Vrbensky [12] was beaten by Yaroslav Demin. Ukraine’s Eric Vanshelboim [11] was also eliminated, losing to Bulgaria’s Alexander Donski.
Among the leading contenders, Germany’s Diego Dedura-Palomero [1] came through his match against Iván López Martos (6-4, 6-3), while Kazakhstan’s Denis Yevseyev [2] defeated local player Sergio Martos Gornés in straight sets (6-4, 6-4).
Italy’s Federico Arnaboldi [3] delivered a convincing performance against Leo Raquillet (6-2, 6-1), and Spain’s Iñaki Montes-De la Torre [4] advanced with a solid win over Diego Augusto Barreto Sánchez (6-1, 6-2).
Also moving through were Dali Blanch [7], Eero Vasa [8], Christoph Negritu [6] and Sergio Callejón Hernando [10], on a day where several matches were decided by fine margins.
Standout matches of the day
One of the most demanding contests saw Yaroslav Demin edge past Michael Vrbensky in three sets (5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5) after more than three hours on court.
Alexander Donski’s win over Vanshelboim (6-1, 0-6, 6-3) also stood out in a match full of momentum swings, while Alex Martínez [5] needed three sets to overcome Izan Almazán Valiente (6-4, 5-7, 6-2) in one of the longest encounters of the day.
Andrew Paulson further confirmed his strong form with a straight-sets victory over Pieri (7-5, 6-4), establishing himself as one of the players to watch in qualifying.
Second round: main draw spots on the line
The second round of qualifying, scheduled for Tuesday 31 March subject to weather conditions, will determine the final places in the main draw. Key match-ups include:
- Dedura-Palomero [1] vs Blanch [7]
- Yevseyev [2] vs Callejón Hernando [10]
- Arnaboldi [3] vs Paulson
- Montes-De la Torre [4] vs Vasa [8]
- Martínez [5] vs Donski
- Negritu [6] vs Demin
A growing tournament despite challenging conditions
Despite the difficult start, the Open Menorca ATP Challenger 100 continues to build momentum in an edition that further strengthens its standing on the Challenger circuit. The tournament is backed by the Consell Insular de Menorca, with support from AETIB and Ajuntament de Ciutadella, alongside a range of partner brands.
