Thiago Monteiro stages comeback to secure main draw spot at ATP 250 Bastad

On the morning of July 14, 2025, Brazilian tennis player Thiago Monteiro, aged 31, secured his place in the main draw of the ATP 250 Bastad in Sweden after a comeback victory against Lithuanian Vilius Gaubas. The match, part of the final qualifying round, ended with scores of 1/6, 6/2, and 6/3, lasting nearly two hours. Currently ranked 152nd in the world, Monteiro struggled early but showed resilience to defeat his opponent on the Swedish clay courts. This win marks the end of an eight-match losing streak, boosting the Brazilian’s confidence. He now awaits the draw to determine his next opponent in the main draw, with potential matchups against Norwegian Nicolai Kjaer, Portuguese Jaime Faria, or Danish Elmer Moller.

The match against Gaubas tested Monteiro’s patience and strategy. After a dominant first set by the Lithuanian, Monteiro adjusted his game, focusing on consistency and pressure on his opponent’s serve. This victory is a significant step for the Brazilian, who aims to climb the rankings and replicate his 2024 performance in Bastad, where he reached the quarterfinals, defeating top-10 player Casper Ruud.

• Key moments of the match:
  • First set: Gaubas broke Monteiro’s serve twice, closing at 6/1.
  • Second set: Monteiro took a 3/0 lead with a break and sealed the set 6/2.
  • Third set: A balanced set until the eighth game, when Monteiro secured the decisive break.

The Bastad tournament, known as the Nordea Open, is a traditional ATP event played on clay with a prize pool of approximately €596,000.

Performance in the qualifying rounds

Thiago Monteiro arrived in Bastad at a challenging point in his career. Before the tournament, he had endured eight consecutive losses, with no wins since April 2025 in the Madrid Masters 1000 qualifying rounds. His first match in Bastad’s qualifying, on Sunday, July 13, was against Slovak Andrej Martin, a former top-100 player now ranked 301st. Monteiro won 7/5, 6/1 in 1 hour and 31 minutes, facing no break points and showcasing solidity on serve.

The victory over Martin was a relief for the Brazilian, who hadn’t won in nearly three months. The first set was tightly contested, decided by a crucial break, while the second set saw Monteiro dominate, capitalizing on his opponent’s errors. This win provided the momentum needed for the Gaubas match, where Monteiro had to dig deeper to overcome the 20-year-old Lithuanian, ranked 143rd.

Bastad’s qualifying rounds demanded a mix of patience and aggression from Monteiro. Against Gaubas, he faced an up-and-coming player with a 19-9 record on clay in 2025, including notable wins in Rome against Denis Shapovalov and Damir Dzumhur. Monteiro’s ability to adapt after a weak first set was key to his qualification.

Track record on Swedish clay

The ATP 250 Bastad has been a favorable stage for Thiago Monteiro. In 2024, he reached the quarterfinals, highlighted by a standout victory over Casper Ruud, then world number 9, by a double 6/3. That run earned him 30 ranking points and briefly placed him at 79th in the world. In 2025, Monteiro aims to repeat that success but faces the challenge of regaining his top form after inconsistent results.

Last year, the Brazilian showed that Bastad’s clay suits his game, built on baseline consistency and powerful groundstrokes. His win over Ruud, a clay-court specialist, was a career highlight, marking his fifth victory against a top-10 player. Monteiro has also defeated names like Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune, and Stefanos Tsitsipas, underscoring his potential to upset higher-ranked opponents.

• Notable players defeated by Monteiro:
  • Carlos Alcaraz (2nd, in 2024, Rio Open).
  • Holger Rune (4th, in 2023).
  • Stefanos Tsitsipas (7th, in 2024).
  • Casper Ruud (9th, in 2024).

Upcoming challenges in the main draw

With his spot secured, Monteiro will face an opponent determined by the draw in the first round. Potential matchups include Norwegian Nicolai Kjaer, 18 years old and ranked 298th, who defeated Brazilian Thiago Wild in the qualifiers; Portuguese Jaime Faria; or Danish Elmer Moller. A win could set up a second-round clash with Argentina’s Sebastian Baez, the fourth seed and world number 37.

Kjaer is a player to watch. A 2024 Wimbledon junior champion and former junior world number 1, the Norwegian has been making strides in the professional circuit. His 6/3, 6/4 win over Thiago Wild showed his ability to challenge more experienced players. Monteiro, however, relies on the confidence gained from his two qualifying wins to impose his game.

Brazilian tennis in Bastad

Brazil’s participation in Bastad saw mixed results. While Monteiro advanced, Thiago Wild, ranked 129th, fell in the first qualifying round to Kjaer. Wild, who has had an inconsistent 2025, couldn’t capitalize on his favoritism against the young Norwegian. In the women’s circuit, Carolina Meligeni Alves was eliminated in the qualifying rounds of the WTA 250 in Iasi, Romania, while Daniel Dutra Silva progressed in the Bunschoten Challenger in the Netherlands.

Monteiro, currently Brazil’s number 3 behind Wild and others, remains a reference on clay. His experience and dedication, even in a tough phase, highlight his professionalism. The Ceará native, who peaked at 61st in the world in 2022, is using Bastad to rebuild confidence and ranking points.

Significance of the tournament

The ATP 250 Bastad is a strategic opportunity for players like Monteiro, who aim to accumulate points in a mid-tier tournament. With a prize pool of around €596,000, the event attracts a competitive yet accessible field, especially for players outside the top 100. For Monteiro, each win is crucial to avoid a further ranking drop, as he defends 50 points from his 2024 campaign.

Clay, the dominant surface in Monteiro’s career, favors his consistency and physical endurance. With 16 career titles, mostly in Challenger events, he aims to solidify his ATP-level presence in Bastad.

Preparation for upcoming tournaments

The Bastad qualifying win marks the start of a key stretch for Monteiro. After the Swedish tournament, he will compete in Umag, Croatia, another ATP 250. These events are preparatory for the 2025 Paris Olympics, where Monteiro will play in both singles and doubles alongside Thiago Wild.

Physical and mental preparation will be critical for Monteiro, who noted he’s regaining his rhythm. In a post-match interview after beating Gaubas, he emphasized the importance of his qualifying wins for his confidence. “The last few weeks haven’t been easy, but I’m gradually feeling the progress day by day,” he said.

Qualifying highlights in Bastad

Bastad’s qualifying rounds showcased young talents and surprises. Alongside Monteiro and Kjaer, players like Spaniard Pablo Llamas Ruiz, defeated by Kjaer in the second round, also stood out. The main draw will feature top names like Francisco Cerundolo, the top seed, and others like Sebastian Baez.

• Players advancing from qualifiers:
  • Thiago Monteiro (Brazil, 152nd).
  • Nicolai Kjaer (Norway, 298th).
  • Other qualifiers await draw confirmation.

Clay tennis landscape

Clay remains the preferred surface for many South American players, including Monteiro. The European clay season, featuring tournaments like Bastad, Umag, and Roland Garros, is a platform for players like the Brazilian to gain experience and points. Consistency on clay demands patience, fitness, and strategy—qualities Monteiro displayed in the qualifiers.

His win over Gaubas highlights his ability to adapt to younger, aggressive opponents. The 20-year-old Lithuanian represents the new generation of tennis, blending power and speed. Monteiro’s experience allowed him to control critical points.

Main draw expectations

Monteiro’s main draw debut is scheduled for July 15, around 7:30 AM (Brasília time). The match will be streamed on Disney+, which covers the tournament in Brazil. Expectations are high for Monteiro to maintain his qualifying form, especially against players like Kjaer, who already proved a challenge for Brazilian players.

The tournament also features Rafael Nadal’s return, facing Leo Borg, son of legend Bjorn Borg, in the main draw. Nadal’s presence elevates the event’s prestige, promising high-level matches on Swedish clay.