The tenth edition of the Rio Open presented by Claro was historical in many ways, according to tournament director Lui Carvalho.

“It was exactly what we were expecting. We had a record audience, had a Brazilian qualifying to the main draw for the first time in singles’ and doubles’, we had five Brazilian playing the mains draw and three in the quarterfinals”, said Carvalho, who was joined at a press conference this Sunday by vice director Thomaz Costa.

“We also saw countless emotional moments on court, specially with João Fonseca, who became a sensation not only in Brazil but also worldwide. I also think that the world finally noticed how the atmosphere here in Rio is special. There might be bigger and most important arenas around the world, but we are better than everybody when it comes to atmosphere”, added him.

Carvalho also said that are in talks with Jockey Club Brasileiro to potentially add more seats at Quadra Guga Kuerten and also adjacent courts to bring even more audience to the tournament.

“But we need to remember that we are focused on quality and not quantity. If we are to add more seats we need to maintain the same level of excellence we have right now.”