16 year old Guto Miguel to play main draw at Rio Open continuing tradition of revealing new talents

The Rio Open presented by Claro will have another young Brazilian on the court in the 2026 edition. At 16 years old, Guto Miguel from Goiás will compete for the first time in the main draw of an ATP 500 after the withdrawal due to illness of french player Gael Monfils, who was registered for the tournament.

With this news, Brazil will have at least four players in the main draw of the only ATP 500 in South America. João Fonseca, João Lucas Reis and Thiago Wild were already guaranteed in the tournament, which takes place between February 16 and 22, at the Jockey Club Brasileiro. Gustavo Heide and Thiago Monteiro are confirmed in the qualifying rounds on the 14th and 15th and are joined by Igor Marcondes, who takes the spot that belonged to Guto Miguel.

Above: A look at 16 year old Guto Miguel. Source: Rio Open.

Currently ranked number 3 in the junior rankings, Guto is experiencing a great moment in his career. Recently, he won the singles and doubles titles at the J300 in Traralgon, Australia, and has six singles titles and three doubles titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors. In 2025, he reached the semifinals of the US Open Junior Championships and, this year, reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open Junior Championships.

Last year, the Brazilian also won the J500 in Mérida, one of the most important tournaments on the junior tour. In the professional tour, he earned his first ATP ranking point in 2025 and has two doubles titles in ITF tournaments. His performance caught the attention of the international circuit, so much so that Guto trained twice with Novak Djokovic during this year's Australian Open.

Initially, the young player had received a wild card for the Rio Open qualifying, but Monfils' withdrawal guaranteed him a direct spot in the main draw — an important step in the transition to the professional circuit.

Above: A look at the stunning Rio Open. Source: Rio Open.

The bet on Guto reinforces one of the hallmarks of the Rio Open since its creation: giving space to young talents at the beginning of their international careers. Over the years, the tournament has opened doors for names like Casper Ruud, Carlos Alcaraz, Felix Auger-Aliassime and, more recently, João Fonseca.

Now, Guto will have the chance to live this experience at home, in front of the Brazilian public, in the biggest tennis tournament in South America.

“I am very happy with this new opportunity to enter the main draw of the Rio Open, it will be an incredible experience. To live this in an ATP 500 and still so young is a unique opportunity. I thank Luiz Carvalho, the tournament director, and the entire Rio Open team for this. Also to my team who have done a great job," commented Guto Miguel.

“Guto had already been closely followed by the organization and had received an invitation to the qualifying rounds. With Monfils' withdrawal, we understood that it was the ideal moment to give him this step into the main draw. At the same time, Igor Marcondes is in an excellent moment and deserves this opportunity in the qualifying rounds. These are decisions that are part of the Rio Open's DNA, looking at the present, but also at the future of Brazilian tennis,” explained Luiz Carvalho, the tournament director.

===

Source: Rio Open