China’s Buyunchaokete has begun the 2026 grass-court swing in memorable fashion. The 24-year-old has claimed back-to-back ATP Challenger titles, most recently lifting the trophy in Ilkley on Sunday.
Following his triumph at the previous week’s Birmingham Challenger, ‘Bu’ built upon his momentum and did not drop a set in Ilkley. He downed Briton Jacob Fearnley 6-3, 7-6(1) in the Lexus Ilkley Open final to secure his fifth career Challenger title.
“I’m really happy with my performances over these last two weeks,” 'Bu' said during the trophy ceremony. “I’m really enjoying the grass court season this year.”
The Xinjiang native is on the verge of returning to the Top 100, up 24 places to No. 107 in the PIF ATP Rankings. He reached a career-high No. 64 in the PIF ATP Rankings in April 2025.
De Jong follows Roland Garros third-round run with triumph
Dutchman Jesper de Jong won the SIC EUROPE OMAG OPEN in Italy, where he continued his strong form following a third-round run at Roland Garros as a lucky loser. In his first outing since falling to eventual champion Alexander Zverev, the top-seeded De Jong stormed to his fourth Challenger title and first since June 2024.
The 26-year-old beat Roberto Carballes Baena 6-3, 6-2 in the Cattolica final. De Jong is now No. 72 in the PIF ATP Rankings, just one spot shy of tying his career high.
Daniel returns to winner’s circle
Japan’s Taro Daniel lifted his 10th Challenger crown at the Bratislava Open, where he rallied past Aleksandr Shevchenko 3-6, 6-0, 7-6(2) in the championship match. Daniel, 33, was as low as World No. 451 just three months ago, but has now risen to World No. 206.
Jorda Sanchis earns perfect birthday present
David Jorda Sanchis celebrated his 32nd birthday Sunday in style at the Open Sopra Steria. The Spaniard made the best possible use of a lucky-loser spot, going all the way to the title in Lyon. In the final, Jorda Sanchiz defeated 20-year-old Frenchman Felix Balshaw 6-4, 7-6(4).
Jorda Sanchis has won the title in two of his past three events. Last month, he earned his first Challenger title in Istanbul. Following his Lyon victory, Jorda Sanchiz is up to a career-high No. 190.
Ambrogi celebrates career milestone
Argentine Luciano Emanuel Ambrogi will not forget his week on home soil in San Miguel de Tucuma. The 22-year-old clinched his first Challenger title, needing a deciding set in three of his five matches. Ambrogi was dominant in the final, however, cruising past Johan Alexander Rodriguez 6-2, 6-3. Ambrogi has jumped 84 places to a career-high World No. 324.
© Copyright 1994 - 2026 ATP Tour, Inc. All Rights Reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any way or by any means (including photocopying, recording or storing it in any medium by electronic means), without the written permission of ATP Tour, Inc.. Terms & Conditions | Privacy | Community Social Media Policy | Modern Slavery Statement | Feedback | Cookies | Your Privacy Choices 
