João Lucas Reis is the first Brazilian confirmed for the Rio Open 2025, the largest tennis tournament in South America, which takes place from February 13 to 25, 2025, in Rio de Janeiro. The 11th edition of the ATP 500 already has confirmed names like German Alexander Zverev, world number 2, Danish Holger Rune, current number 13 in the ranking, and Italian Lorenzo Musetti, 17th in the ranking.
"The Rio Open always seeks to provide opportunities for all Brazilian tennis players. That's why we created the Procopio Cup, which gives all Brazilian athletes, without age limitation, a chance to compete for a spot in the largest tennis tournament in South America. This week's event in São Paulo was a success, with balanced matches from start to finish. And today the public witnessed a high-level final between João Lucas Reis and Daniel Dutra Silva," said Thomaz Costa, director of the Procopio Cup.
On Sunday afternoon, João Lucas Reis defeated Daniel Dutra Silva, 7/5, 1/6, and 6/4, and won the title of the I Procopio Cup, held at Sociedade Harmonia de Tênis, in São Paulo. In addition to the trophy, Reis won an invitation to the qualifying rounds of the Rio Open 2025.
"I am very happy to have won this title and this invitation. I really enjoy playing the Rio Open, it is a very big tournament and has incredible energy. The Brazilians cheer for us and celebrate every point," commented Reis. "The Rio Open is a very special tournament, my favorite. The biggest I have ever played. I am very happy. Now it's time to have a great pre-season and bring this good energy, this experience to the Rio Open," added Reis, who had already participated with an invitation at the last minute in the 2023 and 2024 editions.
Before the pre-season, João Lucas Reis is going on vacation starting today.
The champion received the trophy from the hands of Alcides Procopio's daughter, Suzana Procopio Carvalho, who emotionally thanked the tribute.
Despite the defeat in the final, Daniel Dutra Silva gave a positive assessment of his 2024 season. "It was a great year. I reached my first Challenger final, moved up well in the ranking. I started at 600 and now I'm close to the top 300 in the ranking. It was a great year, and this week was no different. I played well and it only gives me more strength to continue," commented the São Paulo tennis player.
The new competition was named in honor of a crucial figure in the history of Brazilian tennis and a pioneer in many areas. Among his achievements in promoting the sport in Brazil and the world, Alcides Procopio was the first Brazilian adult champion, the first Brazilian to win matches at Wimbledon, the first Brazilian to win an international title, and one of the founders of the Brazilian Tennis Confederation (CBT).
One of Procopio's greatest legacies was the creation of the Banana Bowl, considered one of the largest junior tennis tournaments in the world. Inspired by the American Orange Bowl, Procopio proposed the creation of a Brazilian version, and its success was almost instant. The tournament fostered South American tennis and saw legends like Gustavo Kuerten, John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Andy Roddick, Yannick Noah, Juan Martin Del Potro, and more, taking significant steps towards their stellar careers.
Procopio also presided over the São Paulo Tennis Federation for 19 years, considered the Golden Era of São Paulo tennis, created the first national company for manufacturing tennis rackets and other equipment, led and defended the Brazilian team in the Davis Cup. His significant impact both on and off the courts is still felt today, influencing the growth of Brazilian tennis.
"The Rio Open always seeks to provide opportunities for all Brazilian tennis players. That's why we created the Procopio Cup, which gives all Brazilian athletes, without age limitation, a chance to compete for a spot in the largest tennis tournament in South America. This week's event in São Paulo was a success, with balanced matches from start to finish. And today the public witnessed a high-level final between João Lucas Reis and Daniel Dutra Silva," said Thomaz Costa, director of the Procopio Cup.
On Sunday afternoon, João Lucas Reis defeated Daniel Dutra Silva, 7/5, 1/6, and 6/4, and won the title of the I Procopio Cup, held at Sociedade Harmonia de Tênis, in São Paulo. In addition to the trophy, Reis won an invitation to the qualifying rounds of the Rio Open 2025.
"I am very happy to have won this title and this invitation. I really enjoy playing the Rio Open, it is a very big tournament and has incredible energy. The Brazilians cheer for us and celebrate every point," commented Reis. "The Rio Open is a very special tournament, my favorite. The biggest I have ever played. I am very happy. Now it's time to have a great pre-season and bring this good energy, this experience to the Rio Open," added Reis, who had already participated with an invitation at the last minute in the 2023 and 2024 editions.
Before the pre-season, João Lucas Reis is going on vacation starting today.
The champion received the trophy from the hands of Alcides Procopio's daughter, Suzana Procopio Carvalho, who emotionally thanked the tribute.
Despite the defeat in the final, Daniel Dutra Silva gave a positive assessment of his 2024 season. "It was a great year. I reached my first Challenger final, moved up well in the ranking. I started at 600 and now I'm close to the top 300 in the ranking. It was a great year, and this week was no different. I played well and it only gives me more strength to continue," commented the São Paulo tennis player.
The new competition was named in honor of a crucial figure in the history of Brazilian tennis and a pioneer in many areas. Among his achievements in promoting the sport in Brazil and the world, Alcides Procopio was the first Brazilian adult champion, the first Brazilian to win matches at Wimbledon, the first Brazilian to win an international title, and one of the founders of the Brazilian Tennis Confederation (CBT).
One of Procopio's greatest legacies was the creation of the Banana Bowl, considered one of the largest junior tennis tournaments in the world. Inspired by the American Orange Bowl, Procopio proposed the creation of a Brazilian version, and its success was almost instant. The tournament fostered South American tennis and saw legends like Gustavo Kuerten, John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Andy Roddick, Yannick Noah, Juan Martin Del Potro, and more, taking significant steps towards their stellar careers.
Procopio also presided over the São Paulo Tennis Federation for 19 years, considered the Golden Era of São Paulo tennis, created the first national company for manufacturing tennis rackets and other equipment, led and defended the Brazilian team in the Davis Cup. His significant impact both on and off the courts is still felt today, influencing the growth of Brazilian tennis.
