After a breakthrough 2025 season, Saba Purtseladze enters 2026 at a defining moment in his career – one marked not only by results, but by a clear shift in belief and structure.
The Georgian tennis player claimed his first ATP Challenger title in 2025, reached Grand Slam qualifying for the first time at Wimbledon, and climbed to a career-high ATP ranking of No. 237. More importantly, he proved he could consistently compete beyond the ITF level and establish himself on the Challenger circuit.
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It was a season of progress, learning, and perspective.
“I would say this year was about experience,” Purtseladze reflects. “I won five ITF titles and my first Challenger title. In the second half of the year, I played mostly Challenger events, and it didn’t go exactly as I expected. My priority was to stay healthy and get close to the Top 250, but the injury during Davis Cup changed a lot regarding the year-end ranking.”
Despite the setbacks, 2025 remains the most successful season of his career to date — highlighted by his Wimbledon debut.
“I played Wimbledon for the first time, so yes, I can say it was the best year so far,” he says. “I learned that I have to prepare better and schedule my calendar more efficiently.”
Saba Purtseladze and Marius Copil – A New Structure for a New Level
The most significant change ahead of 2026 is structural. For the first time in his career, Purtseladze will work year-round with a full-time coach — former ATP Top-60 player Marius Copil. The partnership is already confirmed and designed as a long-term investment rather than a short-term experiment.
“I started working with Marius Copil,” Purtseladze explains. “This time I’m doing five weeks of preseason instead of two or three like in previous years. The goal is to reach my highest physical level and also change my game style a little.”
The relationship is built on familiarity and trust. The two have known each other for several years and previously competed against one another.
“Now it feels more professional,” Purtseladze says. “His experience, especially in tournament management, will be a big step forward for me.”
From Copil’s perspective, the timing was right.
“We’ve known each other for a couple of years and I’ve always admired his potential,” Copil says. “We met again this year in Bucharest and practiced once before he left for a tournament in Romania. Everything aligned.”
Saba Purtseladze and Marius Copil – Evolving the Game
Purtseladze has long been known for a first-strike game built around one of the fastest serves among players under 190 cm — capable of exceeding 220 km/h — and a heavy, penetrating forehand that allows him to dictate points early.
Heading into 2026, however, the focus is no longer just power.
“I’m adjusting my game style to slower conditions,” Purtseladze says. “I’m working a lot on my movement inside the court and my volleys. My return was where I felt weakest, and that’s one of the main things I want to improve.”
Copil agrees that the raw tools are already there — but refinement is essential.
“His potential doesn’t match his current ranking,” Copil says. “He’s still new to bigger tournaments, but I feel 2026 will be his breakthrough year. Long term, the goal should be Top 40.”
According to Copil, one of Purtseladze’s biggest strengths is how quickly he implements changes.
“He applies things very fast,” Copil explains. “That’s a huge talent and makes my work easier. He’s very competitive and has the right attitude.”
At the same time, there are clear areas for growth.
“Saba’s serve is good, but not great yet,” Copil says. “We’re working on first-serve percentage, targeting, and the first shot after the serve. His serve and forehand can become among the best on tour, but we also need to improve tactics, leg usage, net play, volleys, and stamina.”
Copil describes Purtseladze as “an unshaved diamond” — a player with immense upside who is still learning to understand the game at every level.
Saba Purtseladze and Marius Copil – The Road Ahead
The 2026 season will begin with a controlled, methodical approach.
“I want to start on January 12 with a $15K tournament to implement what we’ve practiced in real matches,” Copil says. “After that, we’ll move into Challenger events.”
If everything aligns — health, consistency, and adaptation — the expectations are ambitious but realistic.
“If he stays healthy, I’ll be very pleased if he’s close to the Top 100 by the end of the year,” Copil says.
Turning Potential into Presence
With a clearly defined identity built around explosive serve-forehand tennis, a full-time coaching structure now in place, and the most demanding preseason of his career behind him, Saba Purtseladze enters 2026 with momentum and clarity.
The coming season is no longer about proving potential.
It is about converting it into sustained presence at the next level of professional tennis.
