The rematch of last year’s Rio Open final will be one of the highlights of this Wednesday at Jockey Club Brasileiro.
The all-Argentinian clash between reigning champion Sebastian Baez and Mariano Navone will be the second match of the day at Court 1, not before 6:30pm, local time.
The second round match will be the first time they face each other since last year’s final, when Baez prevailed by 6/2 and 6/1.
“It's going to be a tough match, I have no doubt. Last year I was a little bit nervous and I faced a Sebastian that looked like a wall. He played really well here and in Santiago and won back to back titles which was impressive. I played really well last week and I feel confident I can win”, said Navone.
Also in action this Wednesday is two-time semifinalist in Rio Nicolas Jarry. The chilean player faces Francisco Comesana, from Argentina, at the opening match of the day at Court Guga Kuerten, at 4:30pm, local time.
Top seed in Rio and world’s number two, Alexander Zverev takes the center court next, when he faces Alexander Shevchenko (KAZ), not before 7pm, local time.
“He is a young and upcoming player. I think he is very talented and has struggled, maybe last year a little bit, but, I mean, I have to play better than I did todaym, that’s for sure. I have to come out and hopefully play 100%”, said Zverev.
Last match to take place at Court Guga Kuerten will oppose Brazilian Thiago Monteiro and Chun-sin Tseng (TPE). Monteiro will try to reach the quarterfinals in Rio for the third time to match his best appearances in 2017 and 2024.
ORDER OF PLAY - WEDNESDAY, 19 FEBRUARY 2025
Quadra Guga Kuerten - start 16:30
Francisco Comesana (ARG) vs [6] Nicolas Jarry (CHI)
Not Before 19:00
[1] Alexander Zverev (GER) vs Alexander Shevchenko (KAZ)
Followed By
[WC] Thiago Monteiro (BRA) vs [Q] Chun-Hsin Tseng (TPE)
Quadra 1 - start 17:00
Rafael Matos (BRA) / Marcelo Melo (BRA) vs [4] Austin Krajicek (USA) / Rajeev Ram (USA)
Not Before 18:30
[5] Sebastian Baez (ARG) vs Mariano Navone (ARG)
Followed By
Possible court change - [1] Maximo Gonzalez (ARG) / Andres Molteni (ARG) vs [WC] Marcelo Demoliner (BRA) / Fernando Romboli (BRA)
Quadra 2 - start 18:00
Pedro Martinez (ESP) / Jaume Munar (ESP) vs Roberto Carballes Baena (ESP) / Alexandre Muller (FRA)
Followed By
Possible court change - Luciano Darderi (ITA) / Mariano Navone (ARG) vs [WC] Orlando Luz (BRA) / Felipe Meligeni Alves (BRA)
