Event scheduled to take place between February 14th and 22nd at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, in the capital of Rio de Janeiro; current number 43 in the world and number 1 in Brazil, the country’s main tennis player is a highlight of his generation and the youngest tennis player in the top 100
the main name in Brazilian tennis and promise of the sport, will be present at the 2026, an event scheduled to take place between the 14th and 22nd of February at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, in the capital of Rio de Janeiro. Current number 43 in the world and number 1 in Brazil, Fonseca is the highlight of his generation and the youngest tennis player within the top 100. In 2023, the Rio native made his debut on the circuit precisely in the competition in his hometown. The dream started here”, highlighted Rio Open, in the announcement.
“The Rio Open is a very special tournament for me, which represents different experiences in my life. I’ve been there as a fan, as a sparring partner and it was where I played my first ATP. I created a lot of experience watching great players and high-level tennis up close, and it was the place that inspired me to want to play tennis. I’m excited to play another edition at home, in front of my family, friends and all the Brazilian fans”, said the Rio Open
His connection with the Rio Open began as a child, when he became a definitive tennis fan at the tournament. The Brazilian was with his family to watch the games in the first edition, in 2014, when Rafael Nadal was among the attractions. Since then, he has followed every edition, whether as a spectator or on the courts. “João’s story is mixed with that of the Rio Open – he started his career here and has been with us since the first edition. It is rare for a player to have the opportunity to compete in an ATP 500 practically in his backyard. We are experiencing a special and rewarding moment with João further boosting the sport in a phase of growth for both the Rio Open and tennis in the country”, said Luiz Carvalho, director of the tournament.
Earlier this year, the Rio native won his first ATP title in Buenos Aires, becoming the youngest Brazilian to win a title in the ATP Open Era and the youngest South American since Perez-Roldan in 1987. Fonseca’s other titles include the Next Gen ATP Finals, a tournament that brings together the best under-20 tennis players in the world in Jeddah, and the challengers of Phoenix, Canberra and Lexington. In his second year as a professional, and his first in the elite ATP tournaments, he played in all four Grand Slams of the year and won matches in all of them.
In 2022, he was an official sparring partner for the tournament, training in the edition that hosted names like Carlos Alcaraz and Matteo Berrettini. The following year, he received an invitation from the organization to compete in the main draw of the ATP 500, making his ATP debut, at home. Fonseca began to gain prominence on the circuit with his campaign at the Rio Open, in 2024. On that occasion, he eliminated Arthur Fils and Cristian Garin on the way to the quarterfinals. In 2025, he returned to the tournament for a third time after winning in Buenos Aires, but was eliminated early, in his debut, against Alexandre Müller, from France. João Fonseca joins the already confirmed Lorenzo Musetti, top 10 in the world and bronze medalist at the 2024 Olympic Games, at the Rio Open 2026. Other names will be confirmed by the event organizers over the next few months.
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
Published by Sarah Paula
