Ace Your Trip: Experience World-Class Tennis at the Rio Open 2024
Why not book a flight to Rio de Janeiro and enjoy world class tennis? If you haven't heard, Rio Open presented by CLARO, is the biggest tennis tournament in South America.
Carlos Alcaraz, Rio Open 2022 Winner
With the presence of international stars and several attractions for an expected audience of 65 thousand people until the day 25, the event promises to move the Marvelous City and be remembered as one of the biggest tennis competitions ever held in Brazil.
The Rio Open, one of the 13 ATP 500 level championships on the international calendar in 2024, begins in a special way with its line-up. The competition, played on clay courts at the Brazilian Jockey Club, will feature three Grand Slam champions.
Heading the list of international stars is Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, winner of the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon in 2023. The former number 1 in the world rankings will play the Rio Open for the fourth time in his career, being a finalist in the last two editions. Champion in 2022 and runner-up last year, the 20-year-old tennis player will try to win his second title in Rio de Janeiro.
In addition to Alcaraz, the other Grand Slam champion at the Rio Open is Swiss Stan Wawrinka. He is one of the biggest Grand Slam winners of the current generation, having won three Grand Slam titles. Champion at the Australian Open 2014 against Rafael Nadal and at Roland Garros (2015) and at the US Open (2016) against Novak Djokovic, the Swiss has five victories against world number 1 tennis players in Grand Slams.
Also returning to the Brazilian Jockey Club is the British Cameron Norrie, current champion of the tournament. The tennis player is the owner of five ATP titles and marked his history at the Rio Open not only with winning the champion's cup, but also with his desire to get involved with the city of Rio de Janeiro, being moved by the visit to Rocinha in the last edition. Norrie is looking to defend his title in the tournament, something that has never been done in the history of the Brazilian competition.
The international squad will also have a major reinforcement from the new generation: Frenchman Arthur Fils, a tennis player in the top 40 in the world rankings, will make his debut at the Rio Open. The athlete started 2023 in 252nd position and rose with great campaigns, such as winning the Oeiras challenger and his first career ATP, in Lyon. His last season earned the Frenchman a place in the Next Gen ATP Finals, a tournament that brings together the biggest promises of the year, where he reached the final of the competition.
To duel with international tennis players, Brazil will have at least four players in the main draw. Thiago Wild, classified directly by the ATP rankings, is already guaranteed to compete; Thiago Monteiro and João Fonseca, invited by the Rio Open organization; and Gustavo Heide, champion of the Maria Esther Bueno Cup, a qualifying tournament held in São Paulo. This number of Brazilians, however, may increase after qualifying. Felipe Meligeni, Matheus Pucinelli and João Lucas Reis are confirmed in the qualifying race.
In the doubles main draw, Marcelo Demoliner and Felipe Meligeni received the last invitation and joined the pairs of Marcelo Melo, former number 1 in the world, and Rafael Matos, mixed doubles champion at the Australian Open 2023. Another invitation will be announced later for the doubles qualifying.
This number of Brazilians, however, may increase after qualifying. The games that will lead to places in the main draw will be held on the 17th and 18th, starting at 4pm. The title dispute for the tenth edition of the Rio Open will begin on the 18th, and the title decision will take place on the 25th.
However, the Rio Open doesn't just offer great games and unforgettable presentations to the public. The tournament will feature an extensive off-court program in 2024, to make this tenth edition even more special.
Far beyond the courts
At Rio Open, one of the most exciting attractions is Leblon Boulevard, a vibrant space that goes far beyond gastronomic delights. This venue is a true entertainment hub, where visitors can explore the stands of sponsors and brands supporting the event. Here, tennis fans have the chance to engage in interactive activations, participate in exciting games and even win exclusive giveaways.
Leblon Boulevard is a space designed to provide fun and engagement for the whole family, ensuring that each visitor takes away unforgettable memories, in addition to the excitement of the games. It is a true celebration of tennis and culture, bringing fans together to share unique moments during the Rio Open.
Gastronomy
The gourmet area of the event stands out, offering a variety of irresistible options. With renowned restaurants and brands, such as the newcomers Bar da Frente, Bar da Gema, Bar do Bode Cheiroso and Bar do Momo, represented by Liga Tijucana de Botecos, in addition to the Absurda confectionery, visitors have the opportunity to taste a range of gastronomic delights. Babbo Osteria, Seu Vidal, Vulcano, Geneal, Oakberry, Pizza Al Taglio, La Panata and World Wine complete the experience, providing food, drinks and desserts that promise to satisfy the most demanding palates.
One of the most popular locations at the event, Praça Rio Open will once again feature a giant screen to show the matches with a view of Christ the Redeemer, and will feature the Black Princess bar, with cold beer, which has already become the tournament's meeting point. Furthermore, the Gray Goose bar will also be present in this edition, repeating last year's success: the Gray Goose Match Point, the tournament's exclusive drink.
VIP Spaces
The Corcovado Club and Pedra da Gávea spaces are VIP areas designed by architects Luana Bergamo and Luiza Mesquita and which, together, have more than 2,400 m². The exclusive spaces for socializing bring comfort to guests who want to rest during game breaks in comfortable armchairs and sofas within an air-conditioned and sophisticated environment. In addition, you can also count on gastronomic options and drinks selected by World Wine and Black Princess.
Exclusive products
La Boutique, the official Rio Open store, is the ideal place for tournament fans to find exclusive tournament products. Highlights include beloved items from other editions, such as squeeze bottles, mugs, pens, magnets, lanyards, bags and umbrellas. The commemorative edition caps, with the 10-year seal, are available in gray or pink. In addition to pieces with exclusive prints and also inspired by the official poster. You can find the cup with all the champions, bracelets, ball displays and other items made with recycled racket strings.
Among the new features, fans will be able to find bags, rackets, a memory game and some stickers alluding to the Rio Open. The athletes' and beach towels, reminiscent of the tournament court, could not be missing either. In addition, of course, to products for little enthusiasts, with the traditional baby bodysuit and children's t-shirts, showing that the passion for tennis starts from an early age.
Another exclusive option that can be found in this year's edition are the trays made from scrap wood and filled with authentic elements from the tournament. The Clay Tray brings with it the clay used in the matches, while the String Tray incorporates strings taken from the stringing hall. The pieces are accompanied by a metal plaque with the year of the event and a certificate signed by the Tournament Director, attesting to the originality and authenticity of the materials used. A unique opportunity for fans to take home a genuine and exclusive souvenir of the Rio Open 2024.
Fashion
For tennis fans who cannot do without clothing items linked to the sport, the Rio Open will feature Casa FILA at the Jockey Club Brasileiro. The sports brand, sponsor of the event, produced a special collection to celebrate the tenth edition of the tournament.
The models will feature a variety of fabrics and shapes, and the complete line consists of t-shirts and caps with exclusive prints that celebrate the milestone of the event's first decade. FILA will also launch the Tennis Club Capsule, a collection inspired by the universe of tennis, bringing casual and stylish looks for everyday life.
FILA also launches at the event the brand's athletes' uniforms with the special Rio Open Golden customization, in honor of the tournament's 10th anniversary. In addition to a sports collection aimed at tennis players and sports enthusiasts with pieces that feature SPF 50+ sun protection, breathability and more sustainable materials, all with special event customization.
Art
Anna Bella Geiger, author of the poster for the tenth edition of Rio Open, elected Carioca of the Year in 2023, is one of the most important artists in Brazil. A pioneer of video art in the country and one of the great exponents of the first generation of Latin American conceptual artists, she has exhibited in New York, Paris and Barcelona, and participated in the Venice and São Paulo biennials.
His works are included in the collections of Moma (New York), Georges Pompidou (Paris), Tate Modern and Victoria and Albert Museum (London), Getty Institute (Los Angeles) and The FOGG Collection (Boston), among others. With a decades-long career, Anna Bella has broad national and international public recognition.
Culture
Until the 25th, the day of the Rio Open final, tennis fans will be able to visit a special and free exhibition about the tournament at Shopping Leblon, in Rio de Janeiro. In this space, the public will be able to enjoy the much-desired champion trophy, as well as exclusive items and the official poster for the tenth edition of the competition, designed by Anna Bella Geiger. The installation also makes available to the public historical photos of Gustavo Kuerten and Maria Esther Bueno, honored by the Rio Open in the past, as well as a gallery of all the champions from previous editions of the only ATP 500 in South America.
Entertainment
One of the big news for the 10th anniversary special edition will be the use of giant LEDs that will change the look of the center court and bring more technology to the game. The musical attractions will also be a separate show at the Rio Open, and this year Rodrigo Sha, Tibí and DJs promise to rock the central court during the game breaks. Another novelty is the presentations of Break Dance, the new Olympic sport that will debut at the Paris Olympic Games this year.
Rio Open Green
Concern with sustainability has always been present at Rio Open. In 2020, Rio Open Green was launched, a program that aims to minimize the environmental impact of the tournament, acting on two fronts: efficient and sustainable waste management and the reduction and mitigation of emissions generated.
Today the ATP 500 is carbon neutral, certified by the United Nations (UN). In partnership with Engie, the largest private energy company in Brazil, emissions are offset through carbon credits generated by renewable energy from the Jirau Hydroelectric Plant. In this way, it neutralizes CO2 emissions from both the event itself and the movement of spectators. The Rio Open also has a solid waste management policy since tournament planning, following the principles of reduce, recycle and reuse at all stages of the event.
Social
Since the first edition, in 2014, Rio Open has also remained firm in its aim to strengthen its social activities, through the Rio Open Ace platform. The tournament supports four projects linked to tennis, impacting more than 600 families: Instituto Futuro Bom, Tênis na Lagoa, Projeto Paraty Tênis and Escolinha de Tênis Fabiano de Paula. All of them are partners of the competition, in addition to NERO - Núcleo Esportivo Rio Open. In total, more than 700 children and young people benefit from the partnerships.
The event also hosts the Winners Tournament, a competition that will bring together around 90 children and young people from these projects, and is held on the same courts where international stars compete for the Rio Open title. Members of these institutions also receive tickets to watch matches at the ATP circuit event, and some of them are part of the Ball Kids team, the famous “ballers”.
Wheelchair Tennis Elite - presented by ALLOS
For the first time in its history, the Rio Open will feature a wheelchair tennis tournament on its schedule. Wheelchair Tennis Elite - presented by ALLOS - will be played from the 22nd to the 24th, and will bring together four great athletes from the international scene on the clay courts of the Brazilian Jockey Club. The main highlight will be Japanese Shingo Kunieda, owner of 50 Grand Slam titles, Paralympic champion four times, and considered the best player on the circuit for ten seasons by the ITF.
The British Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid, champions of the Australian Open doubles tournament in January this year, will represent Europe. Hewett and Reid have more than 200 career titles, 46 of which are Grand Slams, including singles or doubles. To complete the line-up and represent the host country of Wheelchair Tennis Elite - presented by ALLOS -, Brazilian Daniel Rodrigues will challenge foreign tennis players in the dispute. Daniel, 37 years old, is a former number 11 in the world rankings and has five medals in the Parapan American Games on his vast CV.
Rio Open - 10 years of history
The Rio Open presented by CLARO is the first ATP World Tour 500 in Brazilian history. It is part of a select group of 13 tournaments called ATP 500 and is the biggest tennis tournament in South America.
Ten years ago, Rafael Nadal arrived in Rio de Janeiro to win the first edition of the Rio Open and lift the trophy created especially by Antônio Bernardo, for the first time. One of the biggest names in the sport gave the first serve so that a list of some of the racket's biggest stars played on the courts of the Brazilian Jockey Club throughout this decade.
From Carlos Alcaraz, the new big name in tennis, to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, David Ferrer, Kei Nishikori, Marin Cilic, John Isner, Gael Monfils, Felix Auger Aliassime, Dominic Thiem, Casper Ruud, Cameron Norrie, among others, paraded his powerful strikes on the Guga Kuerten court.
From the youngest to the most experienced, the biggest names in national tennis have also visited one of the most beautiful tennis courts in the world, blessed daily by Christ the Redeemer. Thomaz Bellucci, Bruno Soares, Marcelo Melo, Thiago Monteiro and now the young João Fonseca, wrote and continue to write their stories at the Rio Open and ratifying the importance of the competition for national sport.
Consolidated as one of the biggest sporting events on the calendar in the city of Rio de Janeiro, the event injects an average of R＄150 million into the economy of the State of Rio de Janeiro during the week it takes place. Also, it involves 6 thousand direct and indirect jobs and attracts around 60 thousand people every year, 40% of which are from outside Rio, to the nine clay courts at the Jockey Club Brasileiro.
The games are broadcast not only in Brazil, but also in 144 other countries, totaling 3850 hours live and making Rio de Janeiro's name cross the oceans.
Much more than a tennis event, the Rio Open is a symbol of the city of Rio de Janeiro. After completing 10 years of great passion, innovation and excellence, it has become a landmark on the world calendar.