João Fonseca and Marcelo Melo Win Rio Open Doubles Title in First Partnership

João Fonseca and Marcelo Melo captured the doubles title at the Rio Open, presented by Claro, sealing a landmark victory on the Guga Kuerten Central Court at the Jockey Club Brasileiro. The triumph marked the third consecutive year that Brazilian players have lifted the tournament’s doubles trophy. The champions received the title from former world No. 1 Andre Agassi.

Competing together for the first time, Rio de Janeiro native João Fonseca won his first ATP title at home and the third of his career overall. Fonseca had previously claimed singles titles at the ATP 500 Basel and ATP 250 Buenos Aires and maintains a perfect 3–0 record in ATP finals.

For Marcelo Melo, the victory represented his second consecutive Rio Open doubles title and the 41st title of his career. Melo is the player who has reached the final of South America’s biggest tennis tournament the most times. The win carried special emotional weight, as he dedicated it to his father, Paulo Ernane, who passed away last year, one day after Melo’s 2024 Rio Open triumph.

"I'm going to dedicate this title to my father, who unfortunately passed away last year, the day after I won the title here. So, Dad, this title is yours. Not to mention my mother, who is here, this title is also yours," he said emotionally.

Before the awards ceremony, Melo credited Fonseca for the decisive moments of the final and highlighted the teenager’s composure under pressure.

"This guy here is special, very special! A lot of people criticize him unfairly. This guy is amazing, you can see what he did now, total credit to him, today I just watched. Throughout the tournament, other matches too. 8/8 in the superset and the guy hits me a winner, then an ace, showing how much of a champion's mentality he has. Victory for him!", said Melo.

Fonseca also became emotional during the ceremony, dedicating the title to physiotherapist Egídio, who recently lost his mother. He also expressed confidence about future success in singles at the tournament.

"I wanted to thank Marcia and Lui, who since 2023 have given me the opportunity to play in a very special tournament for me, one that I have a really cool history with. I'm still going to win this singles tournament, I believe, but in the meantime we won the doubles and that's great," said Fonseca.

"I can't help but thank Egidio (the physiotherapist) who lost his mother the day before yesterday, thank him for his professionalism, and be assured that his mother is resting," he added.

The defeated finalist, Dutchman Robin Haase, praised Fonseca’s performance and thanked the crowd for its support.

"Before the tie-break, I thought we needed Andre Agassi to return the serve. Then I thought maybe we needed Fonseca to return the serve. If you keep going like this, you'll definitely win in singles too," said Haase.

"I've been on the circuit for 20 years and I've always dreamed of playing in front of a crowd like this in my own country, so thank you very much," he concluded.

In the post-match press conference, both champions emphasized the significance of winning at home and the confidence gained for the rest of the season.

"It certainly brings more confidence. I won't say it takes the pressure away; the pressure will come momentarily when you step onto the court, and you have to know how to deal with it. But I would say it brings me more conviction, more confidence. It's definitely a special week for me, one that I will take with me for life as a learning experience, because it was so special," said Fonseca.

A Grand Slam champion at Roland Garros (2015) and Wimbledon (2017), Melo placed the Rio Open triumph among the most meaningful of his career.

"I think it became more special because I was playing with João, the moment he came, at his house, it's a different energy, so this title is really very important to me," said Melo.

"To further validate for myself the level I can still play at, the things I've been investing in, to continue on this path, which I believe I can still thrive on, but I'm putting this title, I'm going to put this title right behind my Grand Slam titles," he concluded.

Fonseca highlighted what he learned from Melo’s experience, while Melo underlined the maturity shown by the 19-year-old in high-pressure moments.

"It's sensational to share the court with him. We have a very special relationship off the court; despite a big age difference, we have similar ways of thinking, and our conversations are super mature and always great, benefiting both of us. So I think I've learned a lot from this partnership, the mentality he has for facing difficult moments," said Fonseca.

"He's 19 years old, and what he played today and throughout the tournament, from the 8th to the 8th, playing at home, whether you like it or not, singles or doubles, you have to have something different to do what he did today. Melo was there too, but really the one who was decisive today was João, and I think he deserves to be decisive like he was today, on a packed court, at home. I know it's important for him, and it's extremely important for me too," Melo concluded.

By ML Staff. Photos/Fotojump