Brazil’s tennis calendar is led by two very different events: the clay-court Rio Open, an ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro, and the women’s SP Open, a WTA 250 in São Paulo. Around them, ATP Challenger and ITF tournaments give fans more chances to watch professional tennis in cities across the country.
For visitors, the appeal goes beyond the draw. Rio offers a lively clay-court setting during the South American swing, while São Paulo’s event brings women’s tennis to one of Brazil’s biggest cities. Tournament dates and lower-level events can change from season to season, so check the official tour calendars before making travel plans.
Major tennis tournaments in Brazil
| Tournament | Tour and level | Typical surface | City |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rio Open | ATP 500 | Outdoor clay | Rio de Janeiro |
| SP Open | WTA 250 | Hard court | São Paulo |
| ATP Challenger and ITF events | Men’s and women’s professional circuits | Varies by event | Different cities |
Rio Open: Brazil’s leading men’s tournament
The Rio Open is the biggest annual men’s tennis event in Brazil and the only ATP 500 tournament in South America. It began in 2014 and is played on clay at the Jockey Club Brasileiro. Its place in the early-season South American clay swing gives players a chance to build form on the surface before the European clay season.
Clay rewards patience and movement. The ball generally bounces higher and travels more slowly than on hard courts, so players often need to construct points rather than finish them with one big shot. A heavy forehand, a reliable return and the ability to slide into position can matter as much as raw power. Rio’s conditions can also be demanding: heat, humidity and rain may affect how matches feel and how the schedule runs.
The tournament has attracted major names over the years. Rafael Nadal won its first edition, and Carlos Alcaraz claimed the title in 2022 and 2023. Those wins helped put Rio on the map for international fans, while the event also gives Brazilian players the chance to compete at home against top-ranked opponents.
Rio usually takes place in February, but the exact dates can shift. The main draw lasts about a week, with qualifying matches often scheduled before it. If you are attending, check the event’s official information for the latest session times, entry rules and ticket options.
SP Open: women’s tennis in São Paulo
The SP Open is a WTA 250 event in São Paulo, bringing top-level women’s tennis back to Brazil’s main professional calendar. Its debut in 2025 marked a significant return for a WTA tournament in the country. The event is held on hard courts, in contrast to the Rio Open’s clay.
That difference makes the two tournaments interesting to compare. On hard courts, the ball tends to stay lower and the pace can reward strong serving and early ball-striking. Players who take the ball on the rise may be able to dictate shorter rallies. The best tactics still depend on the court speed and conditions, but a match can feel noticeably more direct than a typical clay-court contest.
São Paulo has also hosted women’s professional events at lower levels, including WTA 125 tournaments. Names, dates and venues can change as the tour calendar develops, so look for the current season’s listing rather than assuming an event will return on the same week each year.
Challenger and ITF tournaments across Brazil
Brazil’s tennis calendar extends well beyond its headline events. ATP Challenger tournaments give rising men and players returning from injury a route toward the main tour. ITF events offer ranking points and valuable match experience to emerging professionals. These tournaments are often smaller than the Rio Open or SP Open, but that can make them a rewarding way to watch tennis up close.
Events have been held in a range of Brazilian cities, including Campinas, Florianópolis and Curitiba, though the schedule varies by year. Check the ATP Challenger, ITF and national tennis federation calendars for confirmed locations. A tournament listed in one season may not appear the next, and the surface can differ between venues.
Brazil also has a notable tournament history. The Brasil Open was an ATP 250 event that moved from Costa do Sauípe to São Paulo and ended after its 2019 edition. It is separate from the current Rio Open and SP Open, so older guides may mention a tournament that is no longer on the calendar.
Planning a visit to a Brazilian tennis tournament
- Check the calendar first. Confirm dates, venue and session times with the tournament or tour website before booking flights or hotels.
- Choose the right session. Day sessions can be hot, while evening sessions may offer a cooler atmosphere. Match schedules can change, especially if weather delays play.
- Arrive early. Smaller courts and qualifying rounds can provide excellent viewing, and you may see future tour players before they become widely known.
- Plan transport. Rio and São Paulo are large cities. Check the venue location and local transport options, and allow extra time for traffic.
- Bring sun protection. Outdoor tennis in Brazil can mean strong sun and humidity. Follow the venue’s bag and entry rules for what you can bring.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest tennis tournament in Brazil?
The Rio Open is Brazil’s leading men’s event and an ATP 500 tournament. It is played on clay in Rio de Janeiro and attracts many of the world’s top-ranked players.
Does Brazil host a WTA tournament?
Yes. The SP Open is a WTA 250 event in São Paulo, launched in 2025. Check the WTA calendar for the current edition’s dates and venue details.
Are tennis tournaments in Brazil played on clay?
Not all of them. The Rio Open is played on clay, while the SP Open is a hard-court event. Challenger and ITF tournaments may use different surfaces depending on the venue.
When is the best time to watch tennis in Brazil?
February is the usual window for the Rio Open. The SP Open has been held later in the season, around September. Dates can change, so confirm the schedule for the year you plan to visit.
Final Thoughts
Brazil offers tennis fans more than one kind of tournament experience. The Rio Open brings high-level men’s tennis to a clay court during the South American swing, while the SP Open gives São Paulo a major women’s event on hard courts. Add in Challenger and ITF stops around the country, and there are plenty of ways to follow the sport beyond the best-known stages. For the most useful trip plan, start with the current tour calendar and build around confirmed dates.
