Two matches in one day, and a dream: Etcheverry’s epic Sunday surge to Rio glory
Tomas Martin Etcheverry won the title on Sunday night against Alejandro Tabilo
Juan Martin Etcheverry, Rio Open 2026 | © SPP / PsNewz
In the world of professional tennis, they say “Any Given Sunday” can change a career, but for Tomás Martín Etcheverry, Sunday in Rio de Janeiro wasn’t just a match – it was an ultramarathon of the soul.
The 26-year-old Argentinian captured his first career ATP title at the Rio Open presented by Claro defeating Alejandro Tabilo from Chile (3-6, 7-6[3], 6-4). He made it in the most grueling fashion imaginable: playing two matches in a single day due to heavy Saturday rains, totaling nearly seven hours of high-intensity clay-court combat.
The day began with Etcheverry, the last seed in the draw (No.8), finishing a brutal semifinal against Vit Kopriva (4-6, 7-6[2], 7-6[4]). That match alone lasted 3 hours and 43 minutes, a physical tax that would have broken most players. Yet, with only a few hours of rest, the world No. 51 returned to the red clay of the Jockey Club Brasileiro to face Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in the final.
Etcheverry : “Best day of my life”
The championship match looked to be slipping away early. Tabilo, ranked No. 68, used his aggressive lefty forehand to take the first set and secure a break in the second, leading 6-3, 3-1. Visibly exhausted but emotionally unyielding, Etcheverry dug in. He clawed back to force a tiebreak, a territory where he had been perfect all week (five played, five won), and took it 7-3.
In the deciding set, the Argentinian found a miraculous second wind, clinching the title 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-4 after 3 hours and 6 minutes of play. In total, Etcheverry spent 6 hours and 49 minutes on court on Sunday alone. When the final ball landed out, he collapsed to the clay, moved to tears by the weight of the achievement.
Taking to social media to share his joy, Etcheverry wrote: “El día más feliz de mi vida. Soy Campeón ATP. Gracias a todas las personas que me ayudaron a conseguir uno de mis mayores sueños.” : “The happiest day of my life. I am an ATP Champion. Thank you to everyone who helped me achieve one of my greatest dreams.” Etcheverry is back in the Top 50 thanks to this performance.
2026 Rio Open Quarterfinals
A. Tabilo – T. Tirante: 7-6[2], 6[6]-7, 6-1
I. Buse – M. Berrettini: 6-3, 2-6, 6-3
T. Etcheverry (8) – J. Faria (LL): 7-6[1], 6-4
V. Kopriva – J. Cerundolo: 6-4, 6-4
2026 Rio Open Semifinals
A. Tabilo – I. Buse: 6-3, 6-3
T. Etcheverry (8) – V. Kopriva: 4-6, 7-6[2], 7-6[4]
2026 Rio Open Final
T. Etcheverry (8) – A. Tabilo: 3-6, 7-6[3], 6-4
