The Guiding Forces Behind Martin Landaluce and Federico Cina’s Ascent | ATP Tour | Tennis
Next In Line
Oscar Burrieza Reveals Insights into His Bond with Landaluce
November 25, 2025
Martin Landaluce
Martin Landaluce shares a triumphant moment with his coach Oscar Burrieza following a victorious ATP Challenger Tour title earlier this season. By Sam Jacot
Imagine stepping onto a tennis court, the spotlight on you alone as the crowd roars—but what if the real magic happens off the court, shaped by voices that guide, challenge, and inspire long before the first serve? In the thrilling yet unforgiving realm of tennis, where individual brilliance often steals the headlines, it’s the supportive figures behind the scenes who truly mold a player’s path to greatness. This is the untold story of rising stars like Martin Landaluce, whose journey to the 2025 Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF isn’t just about natural talent; it’s about the right mentors who help unlock that potential and keep them grounded through every high and low.
But here’s where it gets fascinating: These mentors aren’t always distant professionals—they can be deeply personal connections that blur the lines between coaching and heartfelt relationships. Let’s dive into how two young talents, Landaluce and his fellow Italian prodigy Federico Cina, are propelled by the voices of their coaches, turning raw promise into polished success.
For Landaluce, a talented Spaniard eyeing the ATP elite, that guiding voice belongs to Oscar Burrieza, one of his two coaches (the other being Esteban Carril). Their collaboration kicked off with a simple phone conversation when Landaluce was just 14 years old—a teenager brimming with possibilities but largely unknown in coaching circles. Burrieza, at the time focused on guiding seasoned players in Madrid, recalled the unexpected outreach from Landaluce’s father, who was eager to explore coaching options for his son.
“I still remember when his dad contacted me, pitching the idea of working with Martin,” Burrieza shared with ATPTour.com back in September. “He was hesitant, wondering if I’d even consider coaching a 14-year-old, and asked if I was familiar with him.”
True to a coach’s inquisitive nature, Burrieza did some digging. He scoured online videos of Landaluce’s matches, and what he saw sparked immediate interest.
“Right away, I was impressed,” Burrieza explained. “From our very first encounter, there was a genuine rapport. He struck me as a kind-hearted young man, wise beyond his years, accountable, and genuinely enthusiastic about putting in the effort on the court. It felt effortless to begin collaborating with him.”
That effortless start blossomed into a partnership defined by rigorous training, steady advancements, and profound insights—elements that have sculpted one of the most well-rounded young players on the Tour. For beginners in tennis, think of the ATP Challenger Tour as a stepping-stone league just below the main ATP Tour, where players compete for points and titles to climb the rankings ladder. Landaluce showcased his potential early by claiming the US Open Boys’ Singles title in 2022, then secured his inaugural ATP Challenger Tour victory in 2024, followed by another in 2025. By October, the 19-year-old had soared to a personal best ranking of No. 110 in the PIF ATP Rankings—a testament to his methodical progress.
Each achievement brings a wave of satisfaction and determination for Burrieza, who views these moments as shared victories. “As a mentor, witnessing your athlete achieve something great fills you with joy and pride,” he noted. “You’re delighted for them, but also for the dedication you’ve both invested. Milestones like Martin hitting World No. 1 in juniors or clinching the US Open junior championship were incredibly special. Yet, in the grand scheme, it doesn’t alter much—we relish the everyday training sessions, not solely the matches.”
What truly distinguishes Landaluce, according to Burrieza, transcends technical skills like his powerful backhand or intuitive court awareness. It’s an elusive quality that sets him apart: an exceptional mental resilience.
“For me, his psychological equilibrium is perhaps his greatest strength,” Burrieza asserted. “Tennis can be mentally exhausting—defeats are far more common than wins. But Martin possesses this remarkable knack for bouncing back the next morning, diving into practice as if nothing occurred. He emotionally reboots himself. Whether preparing for a prestigious event like the Madrid Open or a smaller Futures tournament, his demeanor remains consistent. That unwavering mindset is truly exceptional.”
And this resilience doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s carefully cultivated. Burrieza encourages Landaluce’s autonomy, allowing him to embrace his youth while they travel, train, and discover harmony in routine activities. At the heart of their dynamic lies a genuine affection that fuels their success.
“We aren’t obligated to be best buddies just because I’m his coach,” Burrieza remarked. “I hold him in high regard as an individual. I care about him deeply and sincerely wish for his utmost success.”
This blend of professional guidance and personal warmth is the cornerstone of transformative player-coach bonds—a recurring motif among #NextGenATP talents. Take Federico Cina, the Italian sensation whose ascent, marked by his maiden tour-level triumph at Miami and three ATP Challenger Tour final appearances, revolves around the daily counsel of his father and coach, Francesco Cina.
“This is probably the trickiest aspect—he’s my coach on the court and my dad off it,” Cina admitted. “But my dad excels at keeping those roles distinct. During matches and practices, he’s purely the coach; outside, he’s just my father. I appreciate that separation—it provides a wonderful equilibrium, and I’m truly grateful for it.”
Together, they analyze rivals, refine drills, and when pressure mounts, Francesco helps his son refocus, much like Burrieza does for Landaluce.
“My coach and dad constantly remind me to savor the training process,” Cina shared. “Maintaining that joy is crucial, as positive outcomes will naturally follow.”
This is the part most people miss: The subtle yet powerful influence of family ties in coaching. On one hand, it fosters unmatched trust and understanding; on the other, it raises eyebrows about potential conflicts. Is it an insider’s advantage that could tip the scales in competitive sports, or does it introduce complications that outsiders might not face? But here’s where it gets controversial—some argue that blending family roles blurs boundaries, potentially leading to favoritism or unresolved tensions. What do you think? Does having a relative as a coach offer an unfair edge, or does it complicate matters too much? We’d love to hear your perspectives in the comments—agree or disagree, let’s discuss!
Looking ahead, Burrieza aims to elevate Landaluce even further this year at the Next Gen ATP Finals presented by PIF in Jeddah. For Cina, continued strides with Francesco could pave the way for qualifying in the 20-and-under event in 2026.
This piece is the fifth installment in our Next Gen ATP series, Next in Line. Explore more here:
Wimbledon Aspirations, Nishikori’s Journey & Vinci’s Sideline Wisdom: Next Gen Stars Recount Early Memories (https://www.nextgenatpfinals.com/en/news/next-in-line-early-memories-october-2025)
Progressing Forward: Tien, Basavareddy & Engel’s Breakthrough Strategies (https://www.nextgenatpfinals.com/en/news/next-in-line-role-models-november-2025)
Drawing Inspiration from Icons: Nadal, Cilic & Ram Motivating #NextGenATP Talents (https://www.nextgenatpfinals.com/en/news/next-in-line-role-models-november-2025)
Energy for Tomorrow: Exploring the Mental Game of Top Young Players (https://www.nextgenatpfinals.com/en/news/next-in-line-what-fuels-me-november-2025)
So, as these young stars chase their dreams, remember: Behind every ace and triumph, there’s often a mentor whose voice turns potential into reality. Is there a coach or influence in your life that’s shaped your path? Share below—we’re all ears!