Rio Open to Expand Venue and Shift from Clay to Hard Courts to Boost Global Profile
The Rio Open will expand its venue and switch from clay to hard courts to attract top players and better compete globally.
- • Rio Open plans significant expansion at Jockey Club Brasileiro with a new 10,000-seat arena.
- • Tournament surface will change from clay to hard courts to attract top-ranked players.
- • ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi is discussing calendar changes to move the South American swing to later in the year.
- • Efforts aim to counter competition from Middle Eastern tournaments and boost South America's tennis market.
Key details
The Rio Open tennis tournament is preparing for a major transformation that includes expanding its facilities at the Jockey Club Brasileiro and switching its playing surface from clay to hard courts. This shift aims to attract top-ranked players and increase the event's significance on the ATP calendar. A new central arena with a capacity of 10,000 spectators is planned, enhancing the infrastructure and visitor experience.
ATP president Andrea Gaudenzi visited Rio to discuss potential changes to the tournament calendar, which may involve moving the South American swing to October or November. This is part of a strategy to strengthen South America's presence amid growing competition from Middle Eastern tournaments, especially with a new Masters 1000 event expected in Saudi Arabia around 2028.
Lui Carvalho, the Rio Open sports director, highlighted that the ATP sees South America as a high-potential market and is unlikely to schedule conflicting events. Many top players have expressed interest in participating if the surface changes to hard courts, marking a significant step toward elevating the tournament’s status.
Details on the comprehensive expansion and calendar adjustments are anticipated soon, with organizers optimistic about the positive impact on the tournament’s prominence and player participation.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
