Rio Open 2026 Preview, Predictions, Betting Tips & Live Stream Guide

By Site Editor

16 Feb 2026

Site Editor 16 Feb 2026

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The ATP Rio Open 2026 runs from February 16-22 at Jockey Club Brasileiro
Players compete on slow, red clay for ATP ranking points and a significant prize pool
Sebastián Báez, Francisco Cerúndolo, and Luciano Darderi are key players to watch

Sebastian Baez celebrates with the trophy after winning the Claro ATP 500 Rio Open 2025. (credit: Getty)

ATP Rio Open 2026 Schedule & Key Dates
ATP Rio Open 2026: Ranking Points & Prize Money
Venue & Playing Conditions
Top Seeds
Players to Watch
How to Watch ATP Rio de Janeiro 2026 Live (Free)

The Rio Open presented by Claro returns to the iconic Jockey Club Brasileiro from February 16 to 22, bringing elite ATP 500 action back to Rio de Janeiro. As the only ATP 500 event in South America and the lone ATP Tour stop in Brazil, Rio holds a unique status on the early-season clay calendar. The combination of red clay, tropical heat, and passionate crowds creates one of the most distinctive atmospheres on tour.

Now in its 12th edition since launching in 2014, the tournament has built a reputation as a grinder’s battleground. Slow courts and heavy humidity demand patience, physical endurance, and tactical discipline. Titles here are rarely won through raw power alone. Instead, Rio rewards players who embrace long rallies and thrive under demanding conditions.

ATP Rio Open 2026 Schedule & Key Dates

The Rio Open runs from February 16 to 22, 2026 at the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Rio de Janeiro, beginning with qualifying rounds before building toward a Sunday night final. The week follows a traditional ATP 500 format, with early rounds spread across four days before the tournament intensifies from the quarterfinal stage onward.

Round	Dates	Match Timings (Local Brazil)
Qualifying	Feb 14 to 15	From 2:00 PM
Round 1	Feb 16 to 17	From 2:00 PM
Round 2	Feb 18 to 19	From 2:00 PM
Quarterfinals	Feb 20	Afternoon / Evening Sessions
Semifinals	Feb 21	Afternoon & Night Session
Final	Feb 22	Night Session

Evening sessions traditionally showcase the marquee singles matches, particularly from the quarterfinal stage onward, while early rounds feature multiple matches during the late afternoon heat, adding another physical layer to the Rio challenge.

ATP Rio Open 2026: Ranking Points & Prize Money

The Rio Open follows the standard ATP 500 distribution, offering valuable ranking points and a significant prize pool for players navigating the demanding South American clay swing. A deep run in Rio provides a crucial boost in the early season standings ahead of the transition toward the North American hard court stretch.

Round	Points	Prize Money (USD)
Winner	500	461,835
Finalist	330	248,480
Semifinalist	200	132,425
Quarterfinal	100	67,655
Round of 16	50	36,115
Round of 32	0	19,260

The champion walks away with 500 ATP ranking points, making Rio one of the most impactful tournaments outside the Masters and Grand Slam level during this phase of the calendar.

Venue & Playing Conditions

The Rio Open is staged at the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Rio de Janeiro, where slow outdoor red clay and tropical humidity combine to create one of the most physically demanding stops on the ATP calendar. The high bounce and heavy air conditions extend rallies, reduce ace counts, and reward endurance over outright power. Afternoon sessions can be punishing under intense heat, while evening matches remain humid and energy-sapping.

Factor	Details
Venue	Jockey Club Brasileiro, Rio de Janeiro
Surface	Outdoor Clay
Court Speed	Slow
Bounce	High
Day Temperature	31 to 32°C
Night Temperature	24 to 25°C
Humidity	70 to 85%
Wind	Light to moderate (10 to 20 km/h)
Rain Probability	Moderate chance of late-week thunderstorms

In Rio, success depends on movement, stamina, and the ability to construct points patiently.

Top Seeds

The 2026 Rio Open field leans heavily toward clay specialists and proven grinders. With slow courts and thick humidity, this draw is set up for players who can last in long rallies and stay solid from the baseline.

Seed	Player	Country	Current Rank
1	Francisco Cerúndolo	Argentina	19
2	Luciano Darderi	Italy	22
3	João Fonseca	Brazil	33
4	Sebastián Báez	Argentina	34
5	Camilo Ugo Carabelli	Argentina	47
6	Alexandre Müller	France	48
7	Daniel Altmaier	Germany	51
8	Tomás Martín Etcheverry	Argentina	54

Unlike faster ATP 500 events, seeding advantage in Rio does not guarantee dominance, as long rallies and physical battles frequently create opportunities for lower-ranked clay specialists to disrupt the bracket.

Players to Watch

Sebastián Báez

A two-time Rio defending champion, Báez remains the benchmark in these slow, humid conditions. His heavy topspin and relentless baseline work make him the most proven performer at this event, especially with key rivals arriving after physically draining weeks elsewhere.

Francisco Cerúndolo

Fresh off a breakthrough South American clay title in Buenos Aires, Cerúndolo carries momentum but also potential fatigue. If he manages the physical turnaround, his forehand firepower makes him a genuine threat on these courts.

Luciano Darderi

Darderi has already shown he can win on South American clay, thriving in long exchanges. However, like Cerúndolo, he faces the challenge of backing up a demanding previous week in similarly tough conditions.

João Fonseca

The home favorite will enjoy massive crowd support in Rio. While current form raises questions, an energized Fonseca in front of a Brazilian audience can never be fully discounted in a tournament defined by emotion and endurance.

How to Watch ATP Rio de Janeiro 2026 Live (Free)

No cable? No problem. All you need is a betting account and a screen. ATP Rio de Janeiro is streamed live in HD by top bookmakers — no extra subscription needed.

🎬 Quick Setup in 30 Seconds:

1️⃣ Sign up at [Stake] or [bet365]

2️⃣ Deposit $1 or equivalent (no need to place a bet right away)

3️⃣ Go to Live Tennis → ATP Rio de Janeiro → Hit “Watch Live”

That’s it. You’re watching Main Court live from anywhere.

ATP Rio de Janeiro Live Streams

Time
Sport
Event
Live

2026/02/16
09:00:00
PM Tennis Alejandro Tabilo vs Emilio Nava
ATP Rio De Janeiro
2026/02/16
09:00:00
PM Tennis Dusan Lajovic vs Daniel Altmaier
ATP Rio De Janeiro
2026/02/16
10:00:00
PM Tennis Gustavo Heide vs Vit Kopriva
ATP Rio De Janeiro
2026/02/16
10:30:00
PM Tennis Igor Marcondes vs Ignacio Buse
ATP Rio De Janeiro
Oop's, We couldn't find events by your search parameters. Please serach with another key.

Verdict

ATP Rio de Janeiro

Given his proven dominance in slow Rio conditions and two previous titles at this event, Sebastián Báez stands out as the strongest pick to lift the trophy again.

Francisco Cerúndolo and Luciano Darderi appear the next most credible challengers, though both face the physical test of backing up demanding weeks in Buenos Aires. If fatigue plays its expected role, the edge clearly leans toward Báez.

Sebastian Baez

Tournament Winner

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Francisco Cerundolo

Tournament Winner

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Luciano Darderi

Tournament Winner

@730.00 - 1 Unit

25 SC no deposit & 250,000 GC

Use promo code NEWBONUS

Get 25 Stake Cash & 250,000 Gold Coins when you sign up with code NEWBONUS at Stake.us. USA only. Excludes certain States including NY,NV,ID, KY,WA. 18+ only. Terms and Conditions apply.

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