This time last year, Ignacio Buse was ranked outside the top 100 and hadn’t played many ATP Tour level tournaments. In just 12 months, the Peruvian has made his mark on the pro tour and is ready to take it a step further.
On this week’s episode of The Sit-Down podcast, Buse reflects on his breakout year and what to expect next.
“It’s really incredible. I’m just thrilled to get to know more cultures around the world. To experience this with my team is also unbelievable. Tennis wise, I'm really happy because of what I did. When I look back to Lisbon last year, it's all been very fast,” he shared.
Buse’s 2026 achievements include his top-100 breakthrough, peaking at world No.30 in August, and winning his maiden ATP singles titles.
His first triumph came at Hamburg where he defeated Flavio Cobolli, Jakub Mensik, Ugo Humbert and Aleksander Kovacevic to secure a place in the final. He then upset Tommy Paul to lift the trophy.
Just three months later, Buse became Winston-Salem's youngest tournament champion when he overcame Arthur Fery to collect his second title.
“I’m just thrilled that I’m living this moment. I want to keep improving. It's important maybe to not look at the ranking too much and just keep focused on your process and keep improving. I think that’s the most important thing,” he said.
As Peru’s top-ranked player, Buse has attracted fans who support him all over the world during his matches – many in unexpected places.
“I’m really happy to receive this support. Sometimes it feels like Davis Cup every week,” Buse said.
“It’s crazy because I thought in Winston-Salem, it’s not a big city in the US. I thought there weren’t going to many Peruvians and it was full of Peruvians. There were lots of Peruvians coming from everywhere.”
“I don’t see it as an advantage, I just see it as a huge motivation.”
Another champion in his life is his mentor, Albert Costa. When Buse moved to Barcelona, the former world No.6 and Grand Slam winner helped the Peruvian embrace this change and supported his tennis journey.
“He was the one that trusted me. He was basically the cable that united TEC Academy and me.”
“We have an amazing relationship. Now I don’t see him as a Roland Garros champion, I just see him as a guy that I can trust.”
Buse also has bases in Miami where his father coaches and Lima where he will most likely complete his pre-season training.
Although his breakthrough year is nearing the end, there are no signs of slowing down for the 22-year-old.
“I want to finish this year top 30. After that I’m thinking top 20, but I don’t think too much in the rankings.
"I’m still developing and focusing on getting better every day, still learning from the guys that are on the top. I think the main goal is to work and of course, the ranking comes after,” he explained.
“I think things come when they have to come and I’m just focused on what I have to do.”
Listen to the full episode of The Sit-Down, a weekly podcast released each Monday featuring an in-depth interview with a notable tennis identity. Subscribe in your favourite podcast player so you never miss an episode.