For the first time in 11 editions of the Rio Open presented by Claro an all-Brazilian duo was crowed champion at the ATP 500 tournament.
Playing alongside reigning champion Rafael Matos, Marcelo Melo won his first title in Rio to become the active player with most doubles titles _he tied with Mate Pavic with 39 trophies.
After falling just short in the Buenos Aires final, last week, they defeated Spanish duo Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar in one hour and 37 minutes by 6/2 and 7/5 this Saturday night in Rio.
“I've been playing for 18 years, I won Roland Garros, Wimbledon, but winning here in Brazil is extra special, it’s a title I always wanted to win and beloved it was possible”, said Melo, 41, former number one in the world. “I was really smart to ask Rafa to play alongside me because he was able to show me the way.”
It was Melo’s 11th appearance at the event, the only player to play in doubles main draw of all 11 editions of the tournament. It was also his third final.
Matos became the first man to successfully defend the title in Rio and the fourth to win multiple doubles titles in Rio (Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah won in 2014 and 2016 and Maximo Gonzalez won in 2019 and 2023.
“To win here once again in front of our home crowd and this time with a 100% Brazilian duo is indescribable. It’s such a privilege to represent our country in the biggest tournament we have”, said Matos. “The atmosphere at the court was amazing and it was really special to do it next to Marcelo."
This is Matos and Melo first ATP Tour trophy since Stuttgart, last year. It was also their fourth final.
Playing alongside reigning champion Rafael Matos, Marcelo Melo won his first title in Rio to become the active player with most doubles titles _he tied with Mate Pavic with 39 trophies.
After falling just short in the Buenos Aires final, last week, they defeated Spanish duo Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar in one hour and 37 minutes by 6/2 and 7/5 this Saturday night in Rio.
“I've been playing for 18 years, I won Roland Garros, Wimbledon, but winning here in Brazil is extra special, it’s a title I always wanted to win and beloved it was possible”, said Melo, 41, former number one in the world. “I was really smart to ask Rafa to play alongside me because he was able to show me the way.”
It was Melo’s 11th appearance at the event, the only player to play in doubles main draw of all 11 editions of the tournament. It was also his third final.
Matos became the first man to successfully defend the title in Rio and the fourth to win multiple doubles titles in Rio (Juan Sebastian Cabal and Robert Farah won in 2014 and 2016 and Maximo Gonzalez won in 2019 and 2023.
“To win here once again in front of our home crowd and this time with a 100% Brazilian duo is indescribable. It’s such a privilege to represent our country in the biggest tournament we have”, said Matos. “The atmosphere at the court was amazing and it was really special to do it next to Marcelo."
This is Matos and Melo first ATP Tour trophy since Stuttgart, last year. It was also their fourth final.
