Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - One year ago, the Puerto Vallarta Open presentado por La Afición made a dazzling debut on the ATP Challenger Tour. And on Monday, they were recognized with the highest honor on the circuit.

In front of a sold-out crowd at Parque Parota, ahead of the Day 1 night session, the tournament was presented with the 2018 Challenger of the Year award. Tournament organizers and founders Javier Romero, David Davila and Javier Ramirez received the crystal trophy along with tournament director Adhemar Rodriguez.

"Tonight we received the award from the ATP and it was an incredible experience," said Romero. "It was very important to do it in front of all the fans and we prepared a big party. We always look to improve every day and offer the people a great show, and most importantly make the players feel like they are at home. In Mexico, there is a famous saying:'My home is your home' and this is what we look to provide for our players."

Last year's runner-up Danilo Petrovic, semi-finalist Carlos Gomez-Herrera and former World No. 43 Victor Estrella Burgos were also on court during the ceremony. The Serbian, the Spaniard and the Dominican star are three of many players who have adopted Puerto Vallarta as their new home on tour. With world-class hospitality and captivating off-court activities in the local region, as well as perfect conditions between the lines, the players' appreciation for the tournament is at the forefront.

The Challenger Awards are a recognition of excellence, selected by players from the global Challenger Tour of 160 events staged in 40 different countries. In its inaugural year, the Puerto Vallarta Open was instantly recognized as being outstanding in terms of facilities, organization, imagination, promotion and player welcome.

Led by the Puerto Vallarta Tourism Department, the commitment and hard work of the tournament team, the support of the municipality, local authorities, sponsors, the press and the public produced a wonderful week of professional tennis. The tournament made Challenger history by winning the award in its first year, joining only the Abierto GNP Seguros in nearby Monterrey (2015) in achieving the feat.

In 2018, three tournaments were recognized with the Challenger of the Year award, with Puerto Vallarta accompanying the NECKARCUP in Heilbronn, Germany, and Odlum Brown VanOpen in Vancouver, Canada, in the winners' circle. Heilbronn will be presented with their trophy in two weeks, with Vancouver holding their ceremony in August.

The 2019 Puerto Vallarta Open ATP Challenger Tour Tournament continues through May 5th at Parque Parota, located at Avenida Francisco Medina Ascencio LB S/N, Fluvial Vallarta. Matches start at noon and run all day until late evening. Click HERE for the daily schedule of matches, and check out the live streams at livesport.fun.

Tickets are on sale now at PuertoVallartaOpen.com. For more information, please visit the Facebook event page.