Meet Argentina’s Newest Challenger Star

The road to success is never easy, but Juan Ignacio Londero’s route to his maiden ATP Challenger Tour title in Mexico City was a test of both his mental and physical strengths.

Londero, who reached a career-high No. 186 in the ATP Rankings in September 2014, has struggled in recent years with a series of health issues and saw his position drop outside the Top 400 less than a year ago. His road to becoming a Challenger champion was littered with obstacles.

“It’s been a process and a difficult one at that,” reflected Londero. “In 2015, I had something similar to the mumps and… I spent a month in bed with a fever, vomiting. After that, I had a herniated disc issue. I had to withdraw from a lot of matches. It was a dozen things that just kept happening to me and I got stuck.”

But now, with full health and determination to rise in the ATP Rankings, Londero is breaking through at the Challenger level. The Argentine showcased his abilities at the start of the month in Panama City, winning five matches from qualifying before falling to former Top 40 star and eventual champion Carlos Berlocq – after failing to convert match point opportunities – in the semi-finals.

Not to be deterred after missing out on his first final on the Challenger circuit, Londero travelled north to the Mexican capital with added determination to go all the way. The Buenos Aires resident stunned the competition in Mexico City, winning eight consecutive matches, again from qualifying, to clinch the biggest title of his career. “It was great,” Londero said. “I’ve been trying hard to earn such a win for a long time.”

Londero dropped just one set all week, beating four consecutive players ranked inside the Top 300 of the ATP Rankings, including Ecuador Open semi-finalist Thiago Monteiro.

“Before April, I didn’t even know what the winning form felt like. But in Mexico City, things were just going my way. I was concentrating only on what was going on at the moment and on the court — not on who was winning, what I was doing right or wrong; I just focused on the moment.”

What may be even more impressive was his response to the victory. The 24-year-old backed up his title run in Mexico with a third semi-final appearance in as many weeks at the Challenger level in Sarasota (l. to Dellien), confirming his status as one of the most in-form players on the Tour. The right-hander has risen 155 spots in the ATP Rankings (to No. 202) in the past three weeks alone.

“It means a lot to play… at this level,” admitted Londero. “It’s all worth it now. I’m in a better place now. Just to have my body where I want it to be gives me great satisfaction.”

That moment when you win your first #ATPChallenger title.@juanlondero is the champion in Mexico City @CDMXOpen, dropping just one set in eight matches as a qualifier to take the ? pic.twitter.com/Kh03DJ3e8j

— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) April 15, 2018

Londero attributes physical improvements to regimented pre-season preparations, after training with Martiniano Orazi. Orazi has previously worked with World No. 6 Juan Martin del Potro.

“For two weeks, I trained hard and got my physical level up to where it needed to be. This gave me a boost in mental confidence, knowing that I’m ready to compete at the highest level. My body is armed and ready to go now.

“I’m working with Martiniano Orazi; he worked with Juan Martin del Potro for a long time. He’s helped build my confidence.”

Now, for the man inspired by countryman and former World No. 3 David Nalbandian, the goal is clear. His sights are set on breaking into the Top 150 of the ATP Rankings and reaching the main draw of a Grand Slam for the first time.

“My goal is to get into Roland Garros qualifying and win my way into the tournament, and to ultimately finish the year in the Top 150,” outlined Londero.

If the young Argentine can continue his current form for the remainder of the clay season, he may just realise both of those ambitions soon enough.