The Rio Open 2026 announced its final doubles invitations this Friday (13th), cementing a massive Brazilian presence on the clay courts of the Jockey Club Brasileiro. The highlight of the announcement is the first-ever partnership between former world number one and defending champion Marcelo Melo and the 19-year-old sensation João Fonseca, currently ranked 24th in the world in singles.
Melo Chasing a Repeat
At 42, Marcelo Melo remains the only player to have competed in every single edition of the Rio Open. After breaking the “home curse” in 2025 to win the title alongside Rafael Matos, the Minas Gerais native returns to defend his crown with Fonseca. Known as “The Little Boy,” João is coming off a stellar season with singles titles in Buenos Aires and Basel, and now brings his powerful baseline game to complement the net expertise of one of history’s greatest doubles specialists.
A Brazilian Takeover
Analysis & Context
In addition to Melo and Fonseca, the tournament granted a Wild Card to Marcelo Zormann and Felipe Meligeni. Due to direct entries and international withdrawals, Brazil now boasts four fully national pairs in the main draw:
- Marcelo Melo / João Fonseca (Wild Card)
- Marcelo Zormann / Felipe Meligeni (Wild Card)
- Rafael Matos / Orlando Luz (Ranking)
- Marcelo Demoliner / Fernando Romboli (Alternates)
Additionally, the duo of Guto Miguel and Gustavo Heide received an invitation to the qualifying draw, aiming for the final spot in the main event.
📅 Rio Open 2026 Schedule
| Date | Event | Gates Open | Matches Start |
| Feb 14 & 15 | Qualifying | 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Feb 16 to 19 | Main Draw | 3:00 PM | 4:30 PM / 7:00 PM (Night) |
| Feb 20 (Fri) | Quarter-finals | 3:00 PM | 4:00 PM |
| Feb 21 (Sat) | Semifinals & Doubles Final | 3:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Feb 22 (Sun) | Singles Final | 3:00 PM | 5:30 PM |
Takeaways:
- Defending Champions: Marcelo Melo returns to the court where he made history last year.
- Global Sensation: João Fonseca plays his first home tournament since breaking into the ATP Top 25.
- National Pride: A record number of all-Brazilian duos will compete in the ATP 500 event.
Key Facts:
- Venue: Jockey Club Brasileiro, Rio de Janeiro.
- Dates: February 14 to 22, 2026.
- Headliner: The debut of the Melo/Fonseca partnership.
- Atmosphere: Sold-out crowds expected for the night sessions.
