From Qualifiers to the Champion’s Podium, Chilean Warrior Tabilo Creates a Miracle in Chengdu

As September unfolds, the Chinese tennis season kicks off across various cities, and a powerful whirlwind from South America sweeps through Chengdu’s autumn courts. Rising quietly from the qualifiers to making a stunning impact on the main stage, Tabilo secured a series of impressive wins that ultimately engraved his name on the 2025 ATP Chengdu trophy.

On the evening of September 23, the men’s singles final delivered a major highlight as 28-year-old Chilean star Tabilo saved two match points to upset top seed Musetti. Entering as a qualifier, he achieved a remarkable underdog victory, claiming his third career ATP singles title in China. Before this tournament, Tabilo was ranked No.112 worldwide; with the points earned here, he is set to re-enter the top 80. Additionally, he became the first Chilean to win a tour title this season and the tournament’s first champion from South America in history.

Tabilo once reached a career-high ranking of No.17 last July. In the 2024 season, he won titles in Auckland and Mallorca and reached the semifinals of the Rome Masters. This year, he made back-to-back round-of-32 appearances at Indian Wells and Miami Masters, then shocked Djokovic in Monte Carlo to reach the round of 16, showing strong form. Unfortunately, injuries sidelined him until late May at Roland Garros. Throughout the first eight months of this year, wrist and abdominal injuries disrupted his rhythm. Dropping out of the top 100, the Chilean had to compete in lower-tier events to gain points. He was runner-up at a Challenger in Guangzhou before entering the ATP Chengdu event from the qualifiers, defeating China’s Te Rigele and South Africa’s Harris to reach the main draw.

In the main draw, Tabilo passed the first round smoothly. In the second round, he defeated the strong tournament No.2 seed Darderi in straight sets, reaching the tour quarterfinals for the first time since last October. After the match, he expressed his emotions: “This year has been full of ups and downs for me, including months away due to injury. It’s been a very tough year, so I’m glad to be regaining my rhythm. I hope this marks a new beginning.” He then overcame O’Connell and No.4 seed Brandon Nakashima in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively, before beating world No.9 and Italian star Musetti in three sets in the final—his first hard-court win over a top-20 player. Known primarily for his clay-court prowess, the left-hander finally proved his talent and strength on hard courts.

Tabilo is a powerful baseline player, relying on a lethal forehand, excellent movement, and fierce determination. His playing style is perfectly complemented by his longtime racquet, the YONEX VCORE 98. Designed for modern spin-heavy aggressive play, the VCORE series provides strong power support and helps Tabilo maximize his left-handed spin advantage.

Standing atop the champion’s podium, Tabilo savors his crowning moment. His journey reminds us that there is no predetermined script on the court; true glory belongs to those who believe and fight with all their might. This trophy rewards his challenging year past and shines as a bright beacon for his future path.

Photo: Visual China