In front of a packed late-night crowd at the Rio Open presented by Claro, home favourites Rafael Matos and Marcelo Melo became the first all-Brazilian team to win the doubles title at the ATP 500. The pair clinched the trophy on Saturday with an emotional 6-2, 7-5 victory against Spain's Pedro Martinez and Jaume Munar, winning their second tour-level title as a team.

With the victory, Matos became the fourth man to win multiple Rio doubles titles and the first to successfully defend the title. The 29-year-old claimed the 2024 trophy alonside Nicolas Barrientos.

Melo, 41, became the oldest champion in event history with the triumph on his 11th attempt. The only player to compete in the doubles main draw at all 11 editions of the tournament, Melo previously finished runner-up in 2014 and 2023.

“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 believed it was possible," Melo said according to the Rio Open website. “I was really smart to ask Rafa to play alongside me because he was able to show me the way.”

Photo credit: Rio Open/Fotojump

In a dramatic final, the Brazilians saved 13 of 14 break points — including all nine they faced in the second set, according to Infosys ATP Stats. After missing out on a match point on their first break point of the second set at 5-4, Matos and Melo ultimately secured victory on their third match point by breaking in the final game.

Throughout the one-hour, 37-minute match, the Brazilians were urged on by an electric crowd on Quadra Guga Kuerten that included #NextGenATP star Joao Fonseca.

Melo, now 39-38 in tour-level doubles finals, moved into a tie with Mate Pavic for most doubles titles among active players. Matos won his milestone 10th tour-level trophy with the triumph in Rio. The pair moved up 13 places this week to sixth place in the PIF ATP Live Doubles Teams Rankings, putting them in a strong early position in their bid to qualify for the 2025 Nitto ATP Finals.

Men's Doubles Title Leaders (Active Players)

“To win here once again in front of our home crowd and this time with a 100 per cent Brazilian duo is indescribable. It’s such a privilege to represent our country in the biggest tournament we have," Matos said. “The atmosphere at the court was amazing and it was really special to do it next to Marcelo."