It was exactly 14 years ago that a precocious 17-year-old Spaniard named Rafael Nadal stood on centre court in Segovia, with both arms clutching the ATP Challenger Tour trophy.
Fast forward to Sunday and another Mallorca native was reveling in the same experience. Jaume Munar celebrated his maiden Challenger title at the Open Castilla y Leon, claiming a 6-3, 6-4 victory over Aussie teen Alex de Minaur. He dropped just one set during his breakthrough week on home soil, which included a signature win over top seed Marcel Granollers in the quarter-finals.
"I'm very happy," Munar told ATPWorldTour.com. "For me, these last few months were very difficult. I did not win many matches, despite all the work I was putting into my game. To win this tournament at home is very significant, especially in front of my parents. I owe them everything to be where I am today. And now I want to win more. This has just begun."
.@jamunar_38 lifts his first #ATPChallenger , rising 101 spots in the Emirates ATP Rankings to a career-high No. 200. pic.twitter.com/C6Mo4dGbIL
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) August 7, 2017
The 20 year old, who grew up idolising his fellow Mallorcan, is coached by Nadal's close friend Tomeu Salva at his academy. It is apropos that Munar's first title came in Segovia, which is one of the oldest and most presitigious tournaments in all of Spain. Held at the Villa de El Espinar and under the guidance of tournament director and former WTA star Virginia Ruano Pascual, it celebrated its 32nd edition last week.
Munar became the eighth Spanish champion in the past 20 years, joining the likes of Sergi Bruguera (2000), Nadal (2003), Fernando Verdasco (2007), Feliciano Lopez (2009) and Pablo Carreno Busta (2013), among others. Juan Martin del Potro also lifted the trophy in 2006.
"This was a very important step for me, because in the end, [the ATP Challenger Tour] is a stage that you have to fight through. When I won my first Futures title, many followed. Now I hope this is the same in Challengers. In tennis, it is very important to believe in yourself. There have been some amazing players who have won here [in Segovia] and have gone on to the Top 100 and higher. It motivates me to continue on this path."
First #ATPChallenger title! 🇪🇸 @jamunar_38 is the champion of the 32nd edition of @Tenis_Espinar in Segovia, defeating #DeMinaur 63 64. pic.twitter.com/jSBHhCl1Iv
— ATP Challenger Tour (@ATPChallenger) August 6, 2017
Munar's victory extends a strong stretch for Spaniards on the ATP Challenger Tour, marking the nation's fourth straight week with a title. Fellow Spanish youngster Nicola Kuhn, aged 17, won in Braunschweig, and was followed by Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in Scheveningen and Roberto Carballes Baena in Cortina.
In addition, the 20 year old vaulted 101 spots in the Emirates ATP Rankings to a career-high No. 200. It was truly a breakout week for the Spaniard, who was mired in a 1-6 run in Challenger events coming into the tournament. Moreover, he had never won a main draw hard-court match in his career at the Challenger level.
"I just want to continue growing every day," Munar added. "To dedicate myself to being professional and maintain this focus on my game. I know there have been a few tournaments that I showed that I have this level and now I have to stay on this path. Everyone has their own process and I look forward to what is to come of mine."