Always seeking innovations, the Rio Open presented by Claro announced a big name for the 2025 lineup this Monday. New to the largest clay court tournament in the Americas, Alexander Zverev, currently world number 4 and finalist at Roland Garros 2024, is already confirmed for the 11th edition of the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro, which will be held from February 15 to 23.
Zverev is one of the most established names of his generation. The German caught attention with his impressive tennis from a young age, having been world number 1 in juniors and elected by his ATP peers as the revelation of the 2015 season at 18 years old. Known as Sascha, he has won 22 titles, including highlights such as gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, two ATP Finals, and six Masters 1000.
The former world number 2 has also been a Grand Slam finalist twice: first at the US Open in 2020 and most recently at Roland Garros in 2024, proving to be a major clay court standout. In addition to his extensive resume, Zverev's connection to Brazil through his best friend, former world number 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Marcelo Melo, also stands out.
Zverev has already been to Rio de Janeiro to represent his country in a Davis Cup match against Brazil. Now, he returns to make his debut at the Rio Open and pursue an unprecedented title in his career. "I'm very excited to play the Rio Open. Brazil is a very special place, and playing in front of Brazilians, who always bring contagious energy wherever they go, will be incredible. I can't wait. I had a bit of this experience playing in the Davis Cup, but now I hope to count on all the fans' support to do my best in the Marvelous City," said the tennis player, leaving a special message to the fans.
The German is the first confirmed player for an edition that promises to thrill yellow-ball enthusiasts. "The Rio Open is entering a new phase for its 11th edition, and nothing is more gratifying than being able to bring a player of Sascha's caliber to enhance this celebration. I'm sure the audience will enjoy seeing him play an ATP tournament in Brazil for the first time, and I believe he will create a special connection with Brazilian fans," said Luiz Carvalho, Director of the Rio Open.
Zverev joins the illustrious gallery of great international tennis names who have been part of the Rio Open's history, such as Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Kei Nishikori, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Casper Ruud, Arthur Fils, Cameron Norrie, John Isner, Marin Cilic, Fabio Fognini, Gael Monfils, Lorenzo Musetti, Matteo Berrettini, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and others.
Zverev is one of the most established names of his generation. The German caught attention with his impressive tennis from a young age, having been world number 1 in juniors and elected by his ATP peers as the revelation of the 2015 season at 18 years old. Known as Sascha, he has won 22 titles, including highlights such as gold at the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, two ATP Finals, and six Masters 1000.
The former world number 2 has also been a Grand Slam finalist twice: first at the US Open in 2020 and most recently at Roland Garros in 2024, proving to be a major clay court standout. In addition to his extensive resume, Zverev's connection to Brazil through his best friend, former world number 1 and two-time Grand Slam champion Marcelo Melo, also stands out.
Zverev has already been to Rio de Janeiro to represent his country in a Davis Cup match against Brazil. Now, he returns to make his debut at the Rio Open and pursue an unprecedented title in his career. "I'm very excited to play the Rio Open. Brazil is a very special place, and playing in front of Brazilians, who always bring contagious energy wherever they go, will be incredible. I can't wait. I had a bit of this experience playing in the Davis Cup, but now I hope to count on all the fans' support to do my best in the Marvelous City," said the tennis player, leaving a special message to the fans.
The German is the first confirmed player for an edition that promises to thrill yellow-ball enthusiasts. "The Rio Open is entering a new phase for its 11th edition, and nothing is more gratifying than being able to bring a player of Sascha's caliber to enhance this celebration. I'm sure the audience will enjoy seeing him play an ATP tournament in Brazil for the first time, and I believe he will create a special connection with Brazilian fans," said Luiz Carvalho, Director of the Rio Open.
Zverev joins the illustrious gallery of great international tennis names who have been part of the Rio Open's history, such as Carlos Alcaraz, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Kei Nishikori, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Casper Ruud, Arthur Fils, Cameron Norrie, John Isner, Marin Cilic, Fabio Fognini, Gael Monfils, Lorenzo Musetti, Matteo Berrettini, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and others.
