2026 Rio Open
February 14 – February 22 UTC-3
As the sun sets over the iconic skyline of Rio de Janeiro, the world of tennis turns its gaze toward the red clay of the Jockey Club Brasileiro. The 2026 Rio Open presented by Claro is set to be a landmark event, celebrating its 12th edition as the premier ATP 500 tournament in South America. From February 16 to 22, 2026, the “Cidade Maravilhosa” will host a week of high-octane sport, cultural festivities, and historic milestones.
Tournament Overview
The Rio Open is not just a tournament; it is a cultural phenomenon. As the first ATP World Tour 500 event in Brazilian history, it belongs to an elite category of only 13 such tournaments worldwide. Alongside Barcelona and Hamburg, it stands as one of the few ATP 500 events played on outdoor clay, making it a crucial stop for specialists of the surface.
The 2026 edition continues the tradition of excellence at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, featuring nine clay courts, including the prestigious Guga Kuerten Court, which boasts a capacity of 6,200 spectators.
Essential Details
- Dates: February 16 – 22, 2026
- Venue: Jockey Club Brasileiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Surface: Outdoor Clay
- Classification: ATP 500
- Total Prize Money: $2,469,450 (2025)
2026 Stars to Watch
The 2026 entry list is a testament to the tournament’s growing prestige, featuring a blend of established clay-court masters and rising stars. Leading the pack is Argentina’s Francisco Cerúndolo, while local hero João Fonseca enters as the highest-ranked Brazilian in the draw.
| Seed | Player | Nationality | ATP Rank |
| 1 | Francisco Cerúndolo | Argentina | 19 |
| 2 | Luciano Darderi | Italy | 22 |
| 3 | João Fonseca | Brazil | 33 |
| 4 | Sebastián Báez | Argentina | 34 |
| 5 | Alexandre Müller | France | 47 |
| 6 | Daniel Altmaier | Germany | 50 |
| 7 | Tomás Martín Etcheverry | Argentina | 52 |
| 8 | Camilo Ugo Carabelli | Argentina | 53 |
Sebastián Báez enters the 2026 edition with the weight of history on his shoulders. After winning back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025, the Argentine is aiming for an unprecedented “three-peat” in Rio. Meanwhile, all eyes will be on the 19-year-old João Fonseca, who made headlines in previous editions and now returns as a seeded favorite, carrying the hopes of a home nation.
Prize Money and ATP Points
The 2026 Rio Open offers a significant financial incentive and a total of 500 ATP ranking points for the champion. The total prize pool has seen a steady increase, reflecting the tournament’s commercial success.
Singles Prize Money Breakdown
- Winner: $461,835 (500 Points)
- Finalist: $248,480 (330 Points)
- Semi-finalist: $132,425 (200 Points)
- Quarter-finalist: $67,655 (100 Points)
- Round of 16: $36,115 (50 Points)
- Round of 32: $19,260 (0 Points)
Doubles Prize Money Breakdown (Per Team)
- Winner: $151,690 (500 Points)
- Finalist: $80,900 (300 Points)
- Semi-finalist: $40,930 (180 Points)
- Quarter-finalist: $20,470 (90 Points)
- First Round: $10,590 (0 Points)
Provisional Schedule
The tournament follows a high-intensity format over seven days of main-draw action:
- Saturday, Feb 14 – Sunday, Feb 15: Qualifying rounds (starting at 4:00 PM).
- Monday, Feb 16 – Thursday, Feb 19: First and Second rounds. Day sessions and Night sessions (4:30 PM / 7:00 PM).
- Friday, Feb 20: Quarter-finals (starting at 4:00 PM).
- Saturday, Feb 21: Semi-finals and Doubles Final (starting at 5:00 PM).
- Sunday, Feb 22: Singles Final (scheduled for 5:30 PM).
A Legacy of Champions
The Rio Open has been a springboard for some of the greatest names in the sport. Since its inception in 2014, the trophy has been lifted by legends and future world number ones.
- The Legends: Rafael Nadal (2014) and David Ferrer (2015) established the tournament’s elite status.
- The Alcaraz Phenomenon: In 2022, an 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz stunned the world by winning the title, becoming the youngest ATP 500 champion in history. He returned in 2023 as World No. 1, though he narrowly lost the final to Cameron Norrie.
- The Recent Dominance: Sebastián Báez has recently made the Guga Kuerten court his own, becoming the first player to successfully defend the title in 2025.
- Brazilian Glory: The 10th edition in 2024 was historic for local fans as Rafael Matos became the first Brazilian to win the tournament (Doubles), a feat repeated in 2025 alongside Marcelo Melo.
More Than Just Tennis: The Leblon Boulevard
One of the unique features of the Rio Open is the Leblon Boulevard, a 10,000 m² interactive area. It serves as the social heart of the event, offering fans a lifestyle experience that goes beyond the baselines.
- Entertainment: Daily live music, DJ sets, and special performances.
- Gourmet Space: A curated selection of Rio’s best restaurants and food stands.
- Shopping: Official tournament merchandise, sports equipment, and stands from premium sponsors like Claro and Santander.
- Technology: Interactive zones for fans to test their serve speed and engage with VR tennis experiences.
Social Impact: The Winners Tournament
The Rio Open’s commitment to the community is embodied in the Winners Tournament. Created in 2017, this initiative brings together children from social projects across Rio de Janeiro. The winners of this youth competition are often awarded life-changing opportunities, such as week-long training camps at the IMG Academy in Florida. This program ensures that the tournament’s legacy helps shape the next generation of Brazilian athletes.
Visitor and Ticket Information
For those planning to attend the 2026 edition, here is what you need to know:
- Tickets: Sold primarily through Eventim. Presales usually begin in November for Claro Clube and Santander Select customers.
- Access: The event follows a strict “Cashless” policy for all food and beverage purchases.
- Prohibited Items: Professional cameras with removable lenses and large strollers are not permitted inside the court areas.
- Dress Code: While casual, swimwear and flip-flops are prohibited for entry.
The 2026 Rio Open promises to be a celebration of grit, passion, and Brazilian “ginga.” Whether you are there for the tactical brilliance of the clay specialists or the electric atmosphere of the Leblon Boulevard, it remains an unmissable stop on the ATP Tour.