Rio Open: Fonseca Registers Season’s First Victory, Berrettini Triumphs in Opening Match

India, Feb 18 : Local favorite Joao Fonseca kicked off his Rio Open campaign with a commanding 7-6(1), 6-1 victory over compatriot Thiago Monteiro in the first round. The 19 year old delivered an impeccable serving performance, firing seven aces including two in the crucial opening set tie break and winning 84% of his first-serve points. Fonseca completed the match in 1 hour 24 minutes without facing a single break point. He will next face Ignacio Buse.

Berrettini edges past Barrios Vera
Matteo Berrettini overcame lucky loser Tomas Barrios Vera 7-6(1), 7-5 in a tightly contested opener. The Italian broke serve only once, in the final game of a 2-hour 25-minute clash, securing his spot in the second round.

All-Argentine clashes yield second-round spots
Tomas Martin Etcheverry and top seed Francisco Cerundolo both advanced after an Argentine showdown. Etcheverry defeated Francisco Comesana 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, while Cerundolo beat Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4. Younger brother Juan Manuel Cerundolo caused a stir by upsetting second seed Luciano Darderi 6-1, 3-6, 6-4, just two days after his brother’s victory over Darderi in Buenos Aires.

Jaime Faria stuns two-time champion Baez
Portuguese player Jaime Faria, entering as a lucky loser, upset two-time Rio champion Sebastián Baez 7-5, 6-1, marking the biggest win of his career. Faria will meet Bosnian Damir Dzumhur, who rebounded from a 0-6 first set to defeat Spaniard Pedro Martinez 0-6, 7-6(5), 6-4.

Next-round anticipation
With Fonseca, Berrettini, the Cerundolo brothers, and Faria advancing, the Rio Open second round promises intense matchups and rising young talent making their mark on the 2026 ATP Tour.