Local favorite Joao Fonseca clinched his first victory of the season at the Rio Open by defeating fellow Brazilian Thiago Monteiro 7-6(1), 6-1 in the opening round. Fonseca showcased an impressive serving performance, recording seven aces and winning 84% of his first-serve points.
The 19-year-old sealed the win in one hour and 24 minutes without facing a break point, setting up a match against Ignacio Buse in the next round. Meanwhile, Matteo Berrettini overcame lucky loser Tomas Barrios Vera 7-6(1), 7-5 with a single break of serve in the final game.
Tomas Martin Etcheverry and top seed Francisco Cerundolo also progressed to the second round after triumphing in all-Argentine clashes. Etcheverry defeated Francisco Comesana 6-3, 3-6, 6-4, while Cerundolo comfortably beat Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4. Additionally, Juan Manuel Cerundolo caused an upset by defeating second seed Luciano Darderi 6-1, 3-6, 6-4.
Portuguese player Jaime Faria pulled off a surprise victory in the first round by defeating two-time champion Sebastián Baez. Faria, who entered as a lucky loser, advanced to the next round after a 7-5, 6-1 win over Baez, calling it the biggest win of his career.
Jaime Faria is set to face Bosnian Damir Dzumhur in the next round after Dzumhur’s 0-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 victory over Spaniard Pedro Martinez.
