Andre Agassi Headlines Rio Open 2026, Adding Star Power to Tennis in Rio de Janeiro
- Miami Living Team
- Jan 21
- 2 min read
Another reason to book that non-stop flight from Miami to Rio de Janeiro this February isn’t just the beaches, the samba or the summer sun. It’s Andre Agassi and the Rio Open tennis tournament.
One of the all-time greats in tennis history will be front and center at the Rio Open, South America’s premier ATP 500 tournament, adding star power to an event already known for world-class tennis set against one of the most stunning backdrops in sports. Agassi, a former world No. 1 and eight-time Grand Slam champion, will be in Rio de Janeiro to present the Antonio Bernardo Trophy to the tournament champion on Sunday, February 22, the final day of the 2026 edition.
The Rio Open, presented by Claro, runs from February 14–22 at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, a venue that uniquely blends elite competition with sweeping views of Rio’s skyline and surrounding mountains. For fans traveling from the United States—especially South Florida—the tournament has become an increasingly accessible tennis getaway, pairing top-tier play with a destination experience few stops on the ATP Tour can match.
Agassi’s presence elevates the moment
A long-standing tradition at the Rio Open invites legendary figures from Brazilian and international tennis to honor the champion on the iconic Guga Kuerten Court. Past presenters have included Gustavo Kuerten, Fernando Meligeni, David Ferrer and Juan Martin del Potro. In 2026, the honor goes to one of the most recognizable names the sport has ever produced.
Known for his aggressive baseline game, charismatic personality and the bold, colorful outfits that helped define an era of tennis fashion, Agassi remains synonymous with the sport decades after his prime. His influence extends far beyond trophies, shaping how tennis was played, marketed and watched in the modern era.
Few resumes compare
Agassi spent 101 weeks as the world’s top-ranked player and is one of only three men in history to complete the Career Golden Slam—winning all four Grand Slam tournaments plus an Olympic gold medal. The exclusive club also includes Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal. Over the course of his career, Agassi captured 60 titles, including eight Grand Slams, an ATP Finals championship, three Davis Cup titles with the United States, and Olympic gold at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.
AGASSI connection to Rio
Agassi was one of Gustavo Kuerten’s great rivals during a golden era of men’s tennis. It was against Agassi that Kuerten secured one of the defining victories of his career, winning the Masters Cup in Lisbon 25 years ago—a triumph that propelled the Brazilian to world No. 1. That shared history adds extra meaning to Agassi’s appearance on the court that bears Kuerten’s name.
For fans, the appeal is layered. The Rio Open consistently draws a strong ATP field, passionate crowds and a festival-like atmosphere unique to Brazil. Add Agassi to the mix, and the tournament becomes not just a stop on the calendar, but a celebration of tennis past and present.
From Miami, it’s a relatively easy leap to Rio de Janeiro. On arrival, spectators can spend afternoons watching elite players battle on clay and evenings enjoying Rio’s culture, cuisine and coastline. Few sporting events offer such a seamless blend of competition and destination.