ATP Challenger Tour: The crucial chance to reach Roland Garros

The VII Open Comunidad de Madrid, hosted by the Club de Campo Villa de Madrid, proved to be the final opportunity for many players to earn crucial ATP Ranking points ahead of the Roland Garros entry deadline. For Kamil Majchrzak and Pablo Carreño Busta, it was more than just a tournament — it was an important moment in their respective careers. Both players clinched direct entry into the main draw of the second Grand Slam of the season, thanks to their performances in the Spanish capital.

The weeks leading up to a major are always critical for players hovering around the cut-off ranking line. Out of the 128 available spots in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament, 104 are reserved for the highest-ranked players, leaving just 24 remaining places for the thousands of other professionals competing for a chance to qualify. Each Ranking point earned can mean the difference between a direct spot in the main draw and having to go through the grind of qualifying - or missing out altogether. That sense of urgency was palpable in Madrid, where players competed not only for a title but also for their place in Paris.

Read more: Borna Coric: Players on the ATP Challenger Tour are hungrier!

Majchrzak wins in Madrid, secures direct entry into Roland Garros

For Poland’s Kamil Majchrzak, the title in Madrid was a powerful comeback statement. The 28-year-old returned to the winner’s circle after a turbulent period in his career. In late 2022, Majchrzak accepted a 13-month ban from professional tennis after admitting to a doping offence. He tested positive for multiple banned substances in an out-of-competition test and later explained that the contamination was unintentional. His cooperation with the authorities helped reduce the suspension, and since his return to the tour, Majchrzak has worked steadily to rebuild both his ranking and reputation.

His effort was rewarded in Madrid, where he defeated 2014 US Open champion Marin Cilic in a hard-fought final, winning 6-3, 4-6, 6-4. The 100 ATP Ranking points he gained propelled him 11 places up the rankings to World No. 91, securing direct qualification for Roland Garros. The title marked Majchrzak’s eighth ATP Challenger career trophy and a significant personal milestone on his road back to the top. In February 2022, he was ranked inside the Top 75 in the world.

“There were many players fighting for French Open spots. I am incredibly proud of my team as well as of myself. It was a very difficult and demanding week for me. It feels amazing,” Majchrzak stated after the championship match.

Carreño Busta back into the Top 100

Spain’s Pablo Carreño Busta, meanwhile, is on a comeback journey of his own. The former World No. 10 has endured a complicated two-year stretch marked by persistent injuries, most notably a serious issue with his right elbow that kept him out of competition for extended periods. The recovery process has been slow and frustrating, but the Asturias native is now gradually finding his rhythm again.

Despite falling in the quarterfinals in Madrid - coincidentally to Majchrzak - the 14 points he earned were enough to lift him four spots in the ATP Rankings to World No. 99. That climb was just enough to push the 33-year-old from Gijón over the Roland Garros cut-off line, ensuring his place in the main draw without needing a wildcard or qualifying.

“The level on the Challenger Tour is very high in general, but it’s probably even more competitive during the weeks ahead of Roland Garros,” said Carreno Busta, who has returned to the Top 100 for the first time since August 2023.

Several other players also made gains following the tournament on the banks of the river Manzanares. Alexander Shevchenko rose two positions to No. 104, while Cilic’s runner-up finish gave him 50 points and a boost of six spots to No. 111. France’s Valentin Royer (No. 115, +1), Russia’s Pavel Kotov (No. 121, +3), Lithuania’s Vilius Gaubas (No. 144, +5), and Spain’s Carlos Taberner (No. 145, +1) also improved their positions.

Read more: Marin Cilic is embracing the challenge

The Open Comunidad de Madrid once again highlighted the critical role of the ATP Challenger Tour in shaping careers. Whether it’s young prospects trying to break through or experienced players working their way back up the rankings, events like this serve as essential battlegrounds.