Cap Cana and Phoenix: The ATP Challenger Tour has its own Sunshine Swing

As the ATP Tour competes at its first Masters 1000 event of the season in Indian Wells, the ATP Challenger Tour launches its first two Challenger 175 tournaments of the year: the Arizona Tennis Classic in Phoenix and the República Dominicana Open - Copa Cap Cana.

Scheduled for March 9–15, both events are part of the Tennis Channel Showcase series and promise star-studded fields featuring Top 50 standouts, experienced international contenders, and some of the game’s most exciting rising talents.

Arizona Tennis Classic back in Phoenix

Now in its sixth edition, the Arizona Tennis Classic returns to the iconic Phoenix Country Club, offering fans an intimate, up-close experience with professional tennis.

“Being positioned between Indian Wells and Miami gives players a great opportunity to stay competitive during one of the most important stretches of the season,” said Jonathan Levine, tournament founder. “We’re excited to once again host a world-class field in Phoenix.”

The field is led by world No. 33. Corentin Moutet. After a first-round bye, the 26-year-old Frenchman will face the winner of the match between his compatriot Quentin Halys and a qualifier. Known for his creative shot-making and unpredictable playing style, Moutet will be one of the main attractions for fans throughout the week.

In the bottom half of the draw, No. 2 seed Zizou Bergs will either take on Benjamin Bonzi of France or Australian Alexander Bolt in his opening match. The 47^th-ranked Belgian has continued his steady rise on the ATP Tour and arrives in Phoenix looking to add another strong result to his season. French veteran Adrian Mannarino and Nuno Borges round out the top four seeds. Mannarino starts against the winner of the encounter between American wild card Mitchell Krueger and a qualifier; Borges awaits either James Duckworth of Australia or Jan-Lennard Struff from Germany.

“What makes this tournament truly special is the rare combination of world-class competition and an unmatched atmosphere,” said Jonathan Levine. “The energy throughout the week, paired with the passion of Phoenix’s tennis fans, creates an experience that feels both electric and uniquely personal.

Copa Cap Cana brings world-class tennis to the Caribbean

Meanwhile on the island of Hispaniola, the second edition of the Republica Dominicana Open – Copa Cap Cana gets underway. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Dominican Republic’s eastern coastline, the tournament has quickly established itself as one of the most distinctive stops on the ATP Challenger Tour. Held at the Racquet Village in the luxury resort community of Cap Cana, the event combines high-level professional tennis with the unique atmosphere of a Caribbean destination.

This year’s top seed is Miomir Kecmanovic, who is seeking his third ATP Challenger career title this week in addition to his two triumphs on the ATP Tour in Kitzbühel 2020 and Delray Beach last year. The world No. 58 will play either Mackenzie McDonald from the United States or Italian Luca Nardi in his first-round match.

Valentin Royer leads the bottom half of the draw and will start his title bid against the winner of the encounter between two veterans, when Roberto Bautista-Agut of Spain will take on David Goffin from Belgium. Third-seed Damir Dzumhur from Bosnia and Herzegovina will oppose either Roman Andres Burruchaga of Argentina or a qualifier, and No. 4 seed Hubert Hurkacz from Poland awaits the winner of the all-Italian clash between Francesco Maestrellli and Mattia Bellucci. Special attention will certainly be on local wild card entry Nick Hardt, who faces sixth seed Mariano Navone of Argentina in the first round.

Beyond the competition on court, the tournament stands out for its setting. Located near Punta Cana’s famous beaches and turquoise waters, the venue offers players and fans a rare blend of elite sport and tropical scenery. The Racquet Village features modern facilities, multiple match courts, and an intimate stadium environment that allows spectators to experience world-class tennis up close.

Both tournaments - the Arizona Tennis Classic as well as the República Dominicana Open - offer a total prize purse of $300,000, with each champion earning 175 ATP Ranking points. Together, they mark an important moment on the Challenger calendar, giving players a chance to compete for significant points and prize money during a pivotal phase of the season.