The Rio Open 2026 returns to the ATP calendar with familiar clay-court drama and a powerful South American atmosphere at the Jockey Club Brasileiro in Rio de Janeiro. As one of the most prestigious ATP 500 events on clay, the Rio Open consistently attracts elite names and rising contenders seeking momentum ahead of the European clay swing.
With former champions such as Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Diego Schwartzman and Carlos Alcaraz having lifted the trophy in past editions, the Rio Open 2026 promises another fiercely competitive week on Brazilian soil.
Where to Watch Rio Open 2026 Live
Tennis fans in the United States can watch the Rio Open 2026 live on the Tennis Channel. Streaming coverage is available via Fubo, which carries Tennis Channel broadcasts and offers a free trial to new subscribers.
All qualifying rounds and main draw matches will be televised or streamed, including the doubles and singles finals. The Rio Open remains one of the key early-season clay events on the ATP Tour and receives full broadcast coverage across multiple markets.
Rio Open 2026 Schedule and Key Dates
The Rio Open 2026 officially begins with qualifying rounds on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15. The main draw starts on Monday, February 16 and runs through Sunday, February 22.
The doubles final is scheduled for Saturday, February 21, while the singles final will take place on Sunday, February 22.
As an ATP 500 tournament, the Rio Open features a 32-player singles draw and a competitive doubles field. Matches are played across eight outdoor clay courts, with the main stadium often delivering electric evening sessions under the Rio skyline.
Rio Open 2026: Defending Champion and Top Contenders
The storyline entering the Rio Open 2026 centers on Sebastian Baez. The Argentine is the only player in tournament history to successfully defend his title, and he now attempts a rare three-peat on the Rio clay.
However, the pressure may shift toward Brazilian star Joao Fonseca, who enters the Rio Open as a hometown favorite. Competing in front of Brazilian fans at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, Fonseca is expected to draw significant support and faces heightened expectations.
Clay specialists traditionally thrive at the Rio Open due to the slower surface and humid conditions, which reward baseline endurance and heavy topspin. With ATP ranking points and momentum at stake, the Rio Open 2026 is positioned as a crucial stop before the spring Masters events.
Rio Open 2026 Prize Money Breakdown
As an ATP 500 event, the Rio Open 2026 prize money reflects its status on the tour.
In singles, the champion will earn $461,835, while the finalist takes home $248,480. Semifinalists receive $132,425 and quarterfinalists collect $67,655. Second-round players earn $36,115, and first-round participants receive $19,260.
In doubles, the winning team earns $151,690. Finalists receive $80,900, while semifinalists collect $40,930. Quarterfinalists earn $20,470, and teams exiting in the round of 16 receive $10,590.
The Rio Open prize structure underscores the tournament’s competitive importance within the ATP 500 category.
Why the Rio Open 2026 Matters on the ATP Calendar
The Rio Open 2026 serves as one of the premier clay-court tournaments outside Europe. Winning in Rio has historically signaled strong form heading into the broader clay season, with past champions using momentum gained in Brazil to fuel deeper runs in Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros.
Beyond ranking points and prize money, the Rio Open stands out for its atmosphere. The Brazilian crowd creates one of the most vibrant settings in professional tennis, and evening sessions often produce high-intensity battles under humid conditions.
For established champions, the Rio Open offers valuable preparation. For emerging stars, it provides a platform to break through on a global stage.
With Sebastian Baez chasing history, Joao Fonseca carrying national expectations, and a competitive ATP field assembled once again, the Rio Open 2026 is set for another compelling chapter on clay.
Tennis Channel and Fubo will provide full coverage throughout the week as the Rio Open unfolds in one of the sport’s most visually stunning venues.
