Open Menorca: The ATP Challenger newcomer with big ambitions

It was literally a delightful welcome for spectators at the inaugural Open Menorca last month. Upon entering the tournament grounds, visitors were greeted by a stand showcasing the tourism and culinary treasures of Menorca, the second largest of the Balearic Islands. Guests were invited to sample local specialties like cheese, ham, and sausage, adding a flavorful touch to the tennis experience.

While these treats were likely not the main reason for the tournament’s impressive turnout, they certainly added a charming detail to the event’s atmosphere. Whether or not the crowd indulged in the tapas, fans from across Menorca flocked to the Tennis Club Ciutadella on the island’s west coast. The temporary stands could hardly accommodate the enthusiastic audience. With a population of around 100,000 people, it was clear that Menorca had warmly embraced its first-ever international tennis tournament.

“The locals are thrilled that the tournament is happening here - you can really feel that they’re enjoying being part of this event,” shared tournament director Edi Bentivegna, originally from Italy but long involved with the Spanish Tennis Federation.

A stormy start, a spectacular finish

The Tennis Club Ciutadella, the island’s largest club in terms of members, lies just five minutes from the heart of Ciutadella, Menorca’s main city with about 30,000 residents. The city itself captivates visitors with its picturesque harbor and a historic old town filled with winding streets and beautiful architecture.

Although the tournament week began with challenging winds and storms - even forcing some matches to be postponed - conditions improved day by day. By the time the final rolled around, players and fans alike enjoyed clear blue skies, brilliant sunshine, and temperatures topping 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).

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“It’s really beautiful here, and the weather just kept getting better as the week went on. It’s a fun place to play,” said Austrian Lukas Neumayer.

“I was only here once before, when I was five years old,” noted Spanish player Pol Martín Tiffon, who now trains in Barcelona. “It’s incredible how many people came to watch throughout the week. For us players at the Challenger level, it’s really special to have this kind of support.”

So, how did professional tennis arrive in Menorca?

“It’s a project that began several years ago, initiated by Biosport, the event organizers,” Bentivegna explained. “It wasn’t an easy road, but we worked hard with the local institutions and the Consell Insular de Menorca (the island’s government) to secure the right week for the tournament. We only got the final approval in mid-January, which left us just two months to make it happen.”

A high-level debut - and big ambitions

Instead of starting small, the organizers aimed high from the outset, joining the ATP Challenger 100 series. The tournament offered €145,250 in total prize money, with champion Vilius Gaubas taking home €20,630 and 100 ATP Ranking points.

“Our goal is to climb to the highest category of Challenger tournaments - or maybe even become an ATP Tour event,” Bentivegna revealed, looking confidently ahead. “But who knows? The tournament has a solid foundation with strong sponsors, and the vision is to continue growing and become one of the best events on the tour.”

Can we expect a second edition next year? “Absolutely,” Bentivegna confirmed. “I can already assure that the Open Menorca will return in 2026 as part of the ATP Challenger Tour.”