Martin Landaluce is embracing the opportunity to test himself against the world's best as the rising Spanish star prepares to face Alexander Zverev in the opening round of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.
The 20-year-old has enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2026, recording 13 tour-level victories and reaching the quarter-finals at the Miami Open and Italian Open. His performances have helped establish him as one of the promising young players on the ATP Tour, and a victory over Zverev would mark his first win against a Top 10 opponent.
Zverev, the tournament's top seed and 2021 champion, enters the event with a chance to reach world No. 1. Landaluce knows he faces a difficult challenge, but he is determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“I’m really happy,” Landaluce said of the draw. “I’ve never played him before. I think it’s a big match and I love to play big matches in big stadiums.”
The Spaniard added that he believes he can create opportunities if he plays his best tennis, even with the crowd likely to favour the German.
Landaluce has already shown that he can compete with leading players. He pushed Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz in previous meetings, even taking a break lead against both, but was unable to turn those opportunities into victories. He also faced Lorenzo Musetti in Barcelona.
For Landaluce, the next step is learning to handle the crucial moments against elite opponents, who often raise their level when matches are on the line.
“I think the level on the Tour is really high, so every match is a big one and I don’t feel a big difference,” he explained. “Of course, they play a little bit better at the important moments and that is where I want to improve.”
Although he has never faced Zverev in a competitive match, Landaluce has some familiarity with the German after practising with him at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Mallorca in 2025. He believes that experience, along with having watched Zverev play regularly, will help him prepare for the encounter.
Landaluce plans to rely on an aggressive approach, looking to dictate rallies and hit winners rather than allowing Zverev to control the match.
The indoor conditions in Vienna will provide another test. Landaluce has yet to win a tour-level match indoors, but he has enjoyed success at ATP Challenger level, including winning the Orléans Challenger in 2025. He believes the consistent conditions under a roof could suit his game.
“I think my game suits it really well, because it goes fast,” he said, adding that playing without wind or changing sunlight allows him to focus on maintaining his level.
Beyond Vienna, Landaluce is also on course to qualify for the Next Gen ATP Finals for the second consecutive year. He currently sits third in the PIF ATP Live Race To Reggio Calabria, which determines qualification for the season-ending tournament featuring the best players aged 20 and under.
He has also benefited from the PIF ATP Next Gen Accelerator programme, which provides young players with additional playing opportunities. Landaluce credited the support he has received since 2023, including wild cards at Challenger tournaments, with helping him gain experience and produce stronger results.
He believes competing at the Next Gen ATP Finals last year also gave him confidence heading into the 2026 season, particularly through the chance to measure himself against other leading young players.
For now, however, his attention is on Zverev and the chance to achieve a significant milestone in Vienna. A victory would not only deliver his first Top 10 win but also provide further evidence of his progress as he continues his rise on the ATP Tour.