Tomas Martin Etcheverry: first winner in the spotlight | ATP tour | Tennis

First time winner

Tomas Martin Etcheverry: first winner in the spotlight

After defeat in three finals, Argentina triumphs in Rio de Janeiro
February 23, 2026

After three painful defeats in tour-level finals, Tomas Martin Etcheverry has finally broken through to claim his first ATP Tour title.

The 26-year-old Argentinian reached the milestone in dramatic fashion at the Rio Open presented by Claro, where he battled through a demanding Sunday to beat Vit Kopriva in the semi-finals and Alejandro Tabilo in the championship match.

The triumph marked a long-awaited breakthrough for Etcheverry, who had previously come close in the finals in Santiago, Houston and especially Lyon, where he claimed a championship point before going down to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a decisive tie-break.

After lifting the trophy in Rio and rising 18 places to No. 33 in the PIF ATP Rankings, ATPTour.com spoke to the Argentinian to reflect on his perseverance, the challenges he overcame and the people who helped him reach this career-defining moment.

What does it mean to win your first ATP Tour title?
It’s a dream come true. I worked so hard with my team. I’ve lost three finals before, so it was in my head. This week I got a new chance. It was tough conditions – physically. Today I played four hours with the semi-finals [and final]. Yesterday there was a rain delay, today there was a heat rule… It was really tough, but I did it. I’m really proud of myself.

Who are some of the most important people you would like to dedicate this trophy to?
My family and my girlfriend, who believe in me. My team, who support me enormously. Last year was a tough year for me. I have lost a lot of matches… I think they deserve this title. And myself.

How much were you thinking about winning a title after losing three finals?
I had a lot of pressure because of course I wanted to become ATP Tour champion. It was in my head. One of the goals this year was to become ATP Tour champion, and we achieved that.

What made you fall in love with tennis when you started playing the sport as a child?
I started playing tennis when I was five years old. I love this sport so much. I like to travel and participate. I think this is the best sport in the world.

You said that Djokovic and Del Potro are your idols. What do you admire about each of them?
Juan Martin for Argentina, he created many great moments for our tennis. He inspired me when he won the US Open in 2009. I cried a lot that night and I still think about that match. Of course, Novak, because I like how he plays, how [even] now he plays with Jannik at the highest level [Sinner] and Carlos [Alcaraz]. I think he is the best player in history.

What’s the story behind naming your dog ‘Roland Garros’?
When I was nine years old, my father gave me a dog. I named it Roland Garros because it is my favorite tournament. He died a year ago, but he lived another sixteen years.

What is something people don’t know about you?
I like building Lego. I’m a big fan. I now have a small museum in my house with Star Wars and other buildings. I think it’s a lot of fun.