In an exhilarating display of talent and determination, Felipe Meligeni Alves clinched the biggest title of his tennis career at the Challenger 125 in Mexico City on Sunday, April 13, 2025. The 27-year-old Brazilian defeated French player Luka Pavlovic in straight sets, showcasing his prowess with a scoreline of 6/3, 6/3. This victory not only marked Meligeni's fifth Challenger title but also propelled him up the ATP rankings, as he jumped an impressive 34 places to reach his highest-ever position at 119th in the world.
Meligeni's journey to this prestigious title was no walk in the park. He faced tough competition throughout the tournament, but his performance improved with each match. "I don’t have words, it’s the best title of my career, I’m very happy. I want to thank the Mexican fans who supported me throughout the tournament," Meligeni expressed joyfully after his win. His coach, Franco Ferreiro from ADK Tennis, praised his dedication and growth, noting, "It’s very gratifying to lift another trophy. Two titles reflect our hard work, focusing on the day-to-day rather than looking too far ahead. Every match, every tournament, every week brings learning, and we keep training and competing hard, which is essential for growth in a player’s career.”
The Challenger 125 victory in Mexico City, which comes with a prize of $28,400, adds to Meligeni's growing accolades this season. He previously won the Challenger 75 in Mérida, Mexico, just three weeks prior, marking a significant upswing in his career. With these two titles, Meligeni has accumulated a total of $103,300 in prize money for the 2025 season alone, and his career earnings now stand at approximately $1.3 million.
As he revels in his recent success, Meligeni is set to continue his momentum, heading to San Luis Potosí for the Challenger 75 tournament on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. A strong performance there could see him rise to as high as 103rd in the ATP rankings, further solidifying his status as one of Brazil's top tennis players. Currently, he ranks as the fourth-best Brazilian in the ATP standings, behind João Fonseca, who sits at 59th, and Thiago Monteiro and Thiago Wild, who are ranked 93rd and 112th, respectively.
Meligeni's rise in the rankings is a testament to his hard work and resilience. Less than a month ago, he was ranked 176th, but with his recent victories, he has shown that he is a player to watch. His family legacy in tennis is also noteworthy; he is the nephew of Fernando Meligeni, a former professional player who reached 25th in the ATP rankings back in 1999. This familial connection adds a layer of inspiration to Felipe's journey, as he continues to carve out his own path in the sport.
In addition to his achievements on the court, Meligeni has expressed gratitude towards his team and supporters. "I want to thank my sponsors, my team, especially Franco for his trust and the work we’ve been doing together. I also want to thank my wife, who stands by me through the good times and the bad, always supporting me," he said, highlighting the importance of his support system in his success.
As the tennis world watches closely, Meligeni's trajectory is one filled with promise and potential. His recent performances suggest he is not just content with his current ranking but is eager to push further into the upper echelons of professional tennis. With the ATP Finals on the horizon, Meligeni is currently positioned 79th in the race for a spot, trailing only Fonseca among Brazilian players.
The excitement surrounding Meligeni's career is palpable, and fans are keen to see how he will fare in the upcoming Challenger 75 in San Luis Potosí. With his enhanced confidence and skill set, the Brazilian star is poised to make an even bigger impact on the ATP circuit. As he prepares for his next challenge, there's a sense that this is just the beginning of a remarkable journey.
