Michael Mmoh has arrived in Tenerife with clear ambitions for 2026, using the Challenger event on the Canary Island as a key stepping stone in his bid to revive his career.
The 28-year-old American, currently ranked world No. 238, is seeking to rebuild consistency after injury setbacks in recent seasons. With favourable weather and high-quality outdoor hard courts, Tenerife offers an ideal setting for both competition and training as he looks to regain momentum.
“It’s a beautiful place,” Mmoh said. “I heard good things about the tournament, but coming here exceeded my expectations. The courts, the views, everything is great. It’s a good place to work and focus.”
Mmoh has already made an encouraging start to the season. At the ATP 250 Hong Kong Open, he reached the quarter-finals and recorded one of the biggest wins of his career by defeating fourth seed Karen Khachanov. The result provided an early boost to his confidence after a challenging period.
A professional since 2016, Mmoh reached a career-high ranking of No. 81 in September 2023. He has won seven ATP Challenger titles, all on hard courts in the United States, and enjoyed notable runs at the Australian Open and US Open in 2023, reaching the fourth round at both Grand Slams. Those performances highlighted his potential, but injuries over the past two years disrupted his progress.
Source: ATP Tour
“I had a couple of injuries, which was tough,” Mmoh admitted. “My main focus now is staying healthy. Starting the year well and beating good players gives me confidence that this can be a strong season.”
For Mmoh, 2026 is about rebuilding step by step. Rather than setting immediate high-ranking targets, he is prioritising durability and regular match play.
“The biggest goal is to play a full season and stay healthy,” he said. “Then I want to get back into the Top 100 and move forward from there.”
The playing conditions in Tenerife could work in his favour. The courts are slower than many hard-court venues, encouraging longer rallies and physical exchanges.
“The courts here are on the slower side, but they suit me,” Mmoh explained. “I’m comfortable playing physical tennis and staying in rallies. I think I can do well in these conditions.”
With renewed confidence, improved fitness, and a clear plan for the season, Mmoh sees the Tenerife Challenger as an important opportunity to lay foundations for the months ahead. As 2026 unfolds, the American will be aiming to turn early promise into sustained results and re-establish himself among the sport’s leading competitors. Tenerife may prove to be the first major step in that journey.
