Ramirez Hidalgo Hits 400 Challenger Wins In Chengdu

Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo broke new ground on Thursday at the $125,000 event in Chengdu, China.

Sixteen years after playing his first ATP Challenger Tour event, the 38-year-old Spaniard became the first player to win 400 matches in Challengers. He accomplished the feat by winning a marathon second-round match over Ante Pavic of Croatia, 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. 

Having won his first Challenger match over Massimo Dell’Acqua in May 2000 in Manerbia, Italy, Ramirez Hidalgo said he was grateful to have a long career that allowed him to win so many matches.

“This [record] is because I started playing a long time ago,” he joked. “But I still enjoy tennis. I’ve always said tennis is my life, so I’m going to try and play until I can’t play anymore.”

To put the accomplishment in perspective, Ramirez Hidalgo has won Challenger matches in 103 different cities throughout 30 countries and territories worldwide. He’s reached 23 ATP Challenger Tour finals throughout his career, winning 11 titles on four different continents.

Ruben’s Milestone Match Wins

The Spaniard isn’t done yet, though. After struggling with injuries last year, Ramirez Hidalgo has climbed 60 places in the Emirates ATP Rankings this season. He reached the final of the Challenger held last May in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, becoming the oldest finalist in Challenger history at 38 years, four months.

“Right now, I have no plans to retire,” said Ramirez Hidalgo. “My coach thinks I can play one more year, so I want to finish out this season and then we’ll see what happens. I’m just trying to enjoy each match and each tournament.”