The Rio Open presented by Claro announced another wild card for the main singles draw this Friday. Brazilian Thiago Monteiro receives the second wild card from the organization and is confirmed for the 11th edition of South America's biggest tennis tournament, which will be held on February 15-23 at the Jockey Club Brasileiro.
At the tournament where he began his journey in the tennis elite, Thiago Monteiro returns for his tenth Rio Open and his ninth main draw at an ATP 500 event. The Brazilian, one of the crowd’s favorites, made history at the tournament by defeating Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who was ranked No. 9 in the world at the time, in the first round of the 2016 edition, at the age of 22. In 2024, Thiago reached the quarterfinals in a tournament marked by the impressive performances of Brazilian players, matching his 2017 campaign, where he defeated Dominic Thiem.
A former world No. 61 and currently ranked No. 100, Thiago has won nine Challenger titles and recently had an impressive qualifying campaign at the Australian Open, winning all three of his matches to qualify for the Grand Slam's main draw. Additionally, he had a standout 2024 season with standout wins, including one over Stefanos Tsitsipas and a round of 16 finish at the Rome Masters 1000.
"I want to thank the organization of the Rio Open for the wild card, I am very happy to be part of this amazing event once again. It’s a very special tournament for me, which changed my career. It’s incredible to play close to family, friends, and the Brazilian crowd, who always throw a fantastic celebration. Without a doubt, the best memories of my career were on Court Guga Kuerten," said Monteiro.
"Thiago Monteiro also has a history that connects with the Rio Open. It’s where he had his first big win, ten years ago, and where he’s had some of the biggest wins of his career. He embraces the crowd, gets uplifted by the event, and has everything to make a great run this year," said Luiz Carvalho, Tournament Director.
Thiago joins fellow Brazilians João Fonseca, who received the first wild card from the organization, and Thiago Wild, who qualified directly through the rankings, in the main draw of the Rio Open. The major international attractions of this 11th edition include world No.2 Alexander Zverev, and top 20 players Holger Rune (No.12) and Lorenzo Musetti (No.17).
Another wild card for the main singles draw will be announced, along with two more for the qualifying round, which already includes João Lucas Reis, winner of the Procopio Cup. In doubles, two wild cards will be given for the main draw and one for qualifying.
At the tournament where he began his journey in the tennis elite, Thiago Monteiro returns for his tenth Rio Open and his ninth main draw at an ATP 500 event. The Brazilian, one of the crowd’s favorites, made history at the tournament by defeating Frenchman Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, who was ranked No. 9 in the world at the time, in the first round of the 2016 edition, at the age of 22. In 2024, Thiago reached the quarterfinals in a tournament marked by the impressive performances of Brazilian players, matching his 2017 campaign, where he defeated Dominic Thiem.
A former world No. 61 and currently ranked No. 100, Thiago has won nine Challenger titles and recently had an impressive qualifying campaign at the Australian Open, winning all three of his matches to qualify for the Grand Slam's main draw. Additionally, he had a standout 2024 season with standout wins, including one over Stefanos Tsitsipas and a round of 16 finish at the Rome Masters 1000.
"I want to thank the organization of the Rio Open for the wild card, I am very happy to be part of this amazing event once again. It’s a very special tournament for me, which changed my career. It’s incredible to play close to family, friends, and the Brazilian crowd, who always throw a fantastic celebration. Without a doubt, the best memories of my career were on Court Guga Kuerten," said Monteiro.
"Thiago Monteiro also has a history that connects with the Rio Open. It’s where he had his first big win, ten years ago, and where he’s had some of the biggest wins of his career. He embraces the crowd, gets uplifted by the event, and has everything to make a great run this year," said Luiz Carvalho, Tournament Director.
Thiago joins fellow Brazilians João Fonseca, who received the first wild card from the organization, and Thiago Wild, who qualified directly through the rankings, in the main draw of the Rio Open. The major international attractions of this 11th edition include world No.2 Alexander Zverev, and top 20 players Holger Rune (No.12) and Lorenzo Musetti (No.17).
Another wild card for the main singles draw will be announced, along with two more for the qualifying round, which already includes João Lucas Reis, winner of the Procopio Cup. In doubles, two wild cards will be given for the main draw and one for qualifying.
