Brazilian tennis fans were excited to get the chance to see their rising star Joao Fonseca in action on home soil and witness his first win of the season after a series of injuries and first round losses.
It’s just super special, so I’m very happy Joao Fonseca
At the Rio Open, he defeated compatriot Thiego Monteiro 7-6(1) 6-1 in the opening round of the ATP 500 event on clay.
“It’s just great to have my first win of the year [here] after a tough few months,” Fonseca admitted. “It’s just super special, so I’m really happy.”
Responding to a boisterous crowd, Fonseca produced a strong performance, especially firing seven aces, including two in that tight first-set tiebreak. The 19-year-old claimed victory in 84 minutes without facing a single break point and will face Ignacio Buse in the next round after the Peruvian fought past Brazilian qualifier Igor Marcondes 4-6 7-5 6-4.
In other action, Matteo Berrettini held his nerve to beat Lucky Loser Tomas Barrios Vera 7-6(1) 7-5, which depended on one break of service as he broke the Chilean for victory after a two-hour, 25-minute match.
Argentine players Tomas Martin Etcheverry and top seed Francisco Cerundolo both advanced to the second round by ousting compatriots.
Etcheverry edged Francisco Comesana 6-3 3-6 6-4, while Cerundolo got past Mariano Navone 6-3, 6-4. His younger brother, Juan Manuel Cerundolo, upset second-seeded Luciano Darderi 6-1 3-6 6-4, two days after his big brother defeated the Italian in the Buenos Aires final.
Two-time defending champion Sebastian Baez also fell on Tuesday, with Portuguese Lucky Loser Jaime Faria upsetting the fourth seed 7-5 6-1.
Sixteen-year-old Brazilian wildcard Luis Miguel put in a brave effort in his first match at tour level, but Lithuanian qualifier Vilius Gaubas eventually battled past the home favorite 6-3 2-6 6-2.
Other winners who completed the first round on Tuesday were Roman Andres Burruchaga and Lucky Loser Francesco Passaro. Burruchaga defeated fifth seed Camilo Ugo Carabelli 6-3 6-4 and Passaro defeated Dierro Prizmic 6-3 6-4.
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