Hugo Calderano, the world’s number 3 table tennis player, clinched the men’s singles title at the WTT Contender Buenos Aires 2025, defeating Japan’s Mizuki Oikawa 4-1 (11/5, 12/10, 10/12, 11/7, 11/5) in the final on July 27 at the Parque Olímpico in Argentina’s capital. Broadcast live on SporTV and CazéTV, the victory marked Calderano’s third title of the season, earning him 400 ranking points and solidifying his status as the Americas’ top player. Losing just one set throughout the tournament, he also won gold in mixed doubles with Bruna Takahashi, highlighting Brazil’s growing dominance in table tennis. The event, featuring 32 players in the main draw, showcased Calderano’s preparation for the upcoming WTT Star Contender Foz do Iguaçu.
Calderano’s flawless campaign demonstrated his tactical precision and physical prowess. His win further cements his legacy as a global table tennis star.
Event: WTT Contender Buenos Aires, July 22-27.
Final opponent: Mizuki Oikawa, defeated 4-1.
Ranking points: 400 added to Calderano’s world ranking.
The triumph underscores Brazil’s rise in table tennis, with Calderano leading a delegation of 13 athletes at the tournament.
Stellar run to the championship
Hugo Calderano entered Buenos Aires as the top seed and lived up to expectations with a commanding performance. He opened with a 3-0 win (11/4, 11/3, 11/6) over Argentina’s Leandro Fuentes in just 14 minutes. In the round of 16, he overcame Portugal’s Tiago Apolonia 3-1 (10/12, 11/6, 11/6, 11/9) after a tight first set. The quarterfinals saw him dispatch Chinese Taipei’s Liao Cheng-Ting 3-0 (11/9, 11/9, 11/7), while the semifinals featured a 3-0 rout (11/5, 11/5, 11/8) of Japan’s Hiroto Shinozuka.
In the final, Calderano faced Oikawa’s mix of short serves and quick attacks. After a close second set (12/10), he adjusted his game, relying on precise serves and sharp counterattacks to seal the victory. His single set loss in the tournament underscored his consistency and mental strength.
First round: 3-0 over Leandro Fuentes in 14 minutes.
Round of 16: 3-1 victory against Tiago Apolonia.
Quarterfinals: 3-0 win over Liao Cheng-Ting.
Semifinals: 3-0 against Hiroto Shinozuka.
Final: 4-1 over Mizuki Oikawa (11/5, 12/10, 10/12, 11/7, 11/5).
His dominant run builds on recent successes, including titles at the Macau World Cup and WTT Star Contender Ljubljana.
Mixed doubles success with Bruna Takahashi
Calderano also shone in mixed doubles, partnering with Bruna Takahashi to win gold on July 26, defeating India’s Harmeet Desai and Yashaswini Ghorpade 3-0 (17/15, 11/7, 13/11). The duo, nicknamed “Calderashi” by fans, beat India’s Ankur Bhattacharjee and Ayhika Mukherjee 3-1 (6/11, 11/5, 11/9, 12/10) in the semifinals. This marked their first title since the Paris 2024 Olympics, boosting their mixed doubles ranking to 12th globally with 1,455 points.
The partnership, strengthened by their two-year relationship, has reached three finals since Paris, including runner-up finishes at the WTT Star Contender Ljubljana and the 2024 Pan-American Championships. Their chemistry and tactical synergy make them a formidable pair.
Calderano’s historic legacy
At 29, Rio de Janeiro native Hugo Calderano is the greatest table tennis player from the Americas. His achievements include 10 individual WTT titles, gold at the 2025 World Cup (a first for a Brazilian), and a world championship silver in 2025. Reaching world number 3 in 2022, he holds the highest ranking ever for a player from the region. His Pan-American golds in 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 further cement his dominance.
Trained by Jean-René Mounie, Calderano’s game relies on precise serves and rapid attacks, adapting seamlessly to varied opponents. His Buenos Aires performance, overcoming players like Shinozuka and Oikawa, positions him as a contender for the world’s top 2 spots.
World ranking: 3rd, behind Lin Shidong and Wang Chuqin.
WTT titles: 10 individual, including Tunis 2022 and Rio 2024.
Pan-American: Gold in 2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
World Cup: First Brazilian to win gold in 2025.
His latest triumph brings him closer to challenging for the world’s top rankings.
Congratulations to Hugo Calderano! 🏓🇧🇷 Today he claimed the gold medal at the WTT Contender in Buenos Aires, shining once again as Brazil’s table tennis star. #HugoCalderano #TableTennis #WTT pic.twitter.com/Eggw2ztKKq— Victor Ferauche (@VFerauche) July 27, 2025
Fan support and media buzz
Calderano’s victory sparked 60,000 social media mentions from Brazilian fans, with #CalderanoCampeão trending widely. The final, broadcast live, drew thousands of viewers, who praised his 65% win rate in 2025 matches. The “Calderashi” duo also garnered affection, with fans celebrating their on- and off-table chemistry. SporTV and CazéTV’s coverage, including replays of key moments like the second-set turnaround against Oikawa, amplified the excitement.
The tournament showcased Brazil’s strength, with 13 athletes competing. The event’s visibility highlighted Calderano’s role as a national sports icon, inspiring younger players.
Focus on Foz do Iguaçu
Calderano now turns to the WTT Star Contender Foz do Iguaçu, set for July 30 to August 3, where he will compete in singles and mixed doubles with Takahashi. The event is a chance to solidify his Americas leadership and gain more ranking points. His training in Rio de Janeiro, intensified post-2025 World Championships, emphasizes endurance and offensive strategies.
The “Calderashi” duo aims to maintain momentum, targeting medals in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle. With Takahashi ranked 17th in women’s singles, their partnership is a cornerstone of Brazil’s global ambitions.
Next event: WTT Star Contender Foz do Iguaçu, July 30-August 3.
Goal: Strengthen Americas dominance and climb rankings.
Calderashi ranking: 12th in mixed doubles with 1,455 points.
Olympic cycle: Preparation for Los Angeles 2028.
The Buenos Aires win fuels Calderano’s confidence for the upcoming challenges.
Brazil’s rise in table tennis
The WTT Contender Buenos Aires featured 13 Brazilian athletes, reflecting the sport’s growth in the country. Alongside Calderano and Takahashi, players like Giulia Takahashi and Felipe Doti competed in main and qualifying draws. The Brazilian Table Tennis Confederation (CBTM) is pushing for the sport’s inclusion in the 2026 Youth Olympics, with investments in youth programs.
Held at the Parque Olímpico, the tournament was a milestone for South American table tennis, with Calderano as its star. His dual golds position Brazil as a powerhouse, with high expectations for events like the US Open in December.
