Lloyd Harris Claims Tenerife Challenger Title: A Sign of Resurgent Form
Lloyd Harris secured a significant victory on February 15, 2026, winning the Tenerife Challenger 2 title. The South African defeated Alejandro Moro Canas 7-5, 7-5 in a closely contested final held at the Abama Tennis Academy in Guía de Isora, Tenerife.
Battling Back to Top Form
This win marks Harris’s eighth career ATP Challenger Tour title and his second consecutive, following his triumph in Soma Bay, Egypt, last month. The victory is particularly noteworthy given Harris’s recent struggles with injuries. He reached a career-high ranking of 31 in September 2021 but has faced setbacks due to physical challenges.
“It’s a new career for me, it’s a new start,” Harris stated after the match. He emphasized a focus on daily improvement rather than dwelling on past achievements. He is currently ranked 186th in the world, and this win propels him to 155th.
Match Details and Key Performance Indicators
Harris demonstrated strong serving prowess throughout the final, firing 10 aces and winning 80% of his first-service points. He successfully defended all five break points against him and capitalized on two of his seven break-point opportunities. The match lasted two hours and eight minutes.
Tenerife: A Familiar and Favorable Venue
This wasn’t Harris’s first experience with the Tenerife Challenger. He previously reached the semi-finals of the tournament in 2023. “My last time here was more challenging… But the place is beautiful. I really enjoy the tournament and the club, that’s why I am back,” he explained.
Beyond the Final: Fognini’s Exhibition and Local Talent
The Tenerife Challenger 2 wasn’t solely focused on the professional competition. Former world number 9 Fabio Fognini participated in a showmatch against young Canarian tennis players – Saúl Pacheco Benasayag, Joel Toral Ocaña, and Samuel García Hernández – adding to the event’s appeal and fostering local tennis development.
Doubles Champions Crowned
Filip Duda and David Poljak secured the doubles title, defeating Luka Mikrut and Tiago Pereira 7-6(0), 6-3. The Czech duo earned €4,540 in prize money and 75 ATP-Doppelranglistenpunkte (ATP doubles ranking points).
Did you know?
Lloyd Harris’s win in Tenerife follows a pattern of champions who have left their mark on the island, including Matteo Arnaldi, Pablo Carreño Busta, and Brandon Nakashima.
Prize Money and Ranking Points
Harris earned €15,510 in prize money and 75 ATP Ranking points for his victory.
FAQ
Q: Where was the Tenerife Challenger 2 held?
A: The tournament was held at the Abama Tennis Academy in Guía de Isora, Tenerife.
Q: Who did Lloyd Harris defeat in the final?
A: He defeated Alejandro Moro Canas.
Q: How many Challenger titles does Lloyd Harris now have?
A: He now has eight ATP Challenger career titles.
Pro Tip
Focusing on consistent serving and capitalizing on break point opportunities are crucial for success in Challenger-level tournaments, as demonstrated by Harris’s performance.
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