Nestled amongst high-rise buildings and a short walk from the Pacific coast lies the host venue of the Lima-2 Challenger: Club Terrazas de Miraflores.
You could go to the beach, try surfing, visit some of Lima’s famous parks such as ‘Paruqe del Amor’, taste the Peruvian cuisine, and enjoy the ATP Challenger Tour tournament all without needing public transportation.
While that may seem like a dream getaway for many, tournament director Luis Horna, former World No. 33, strives to bring a home feeling to the competitors at the Lima-2 Challenger.
“It doesn’t matter where the players come from, we always meet them with our arms wide open and try to give them a good treatment,” Horna said. “That’s a key for us. As I used to be a player, I know the way I used to feel at a tournament.
“Miraflores is a well located district here in Lima. All the restaurants, shopping malls are here. There’s always a good atmosphere around the tournament. Not just the local players but also for the guys that are coming from other countries.”
The Lima Challenger, celebrating its 11th edition, is the fifth longest running active South American Challenger tournament, only behind Montevideo (20), Guayaquil (17), Santiago (15), and Campinas (12).
After a 14 year drought of no Peruvians in the Top 100, home hero Juan Pablo Varillas climbed to a career-high No. 97 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings in August, becoming the fifth Peruvian player to crack the Top 100. While Varillas is carrying the torch for tennis in Peru, the four-time Challenger champion’s heart is set on doing it with humility.
