In contrast to the current tournament in Acapulco, the line-up of the Rio Open 2018 was not at the highest level. Tournament director Luiz Carvalho wants to change this in the coming year.
While in the ITF, with the planned conversion of the Davis Cup, almost tectonic shifts have been announced, the ATP’s framework calendar will remain unchanged for the time being. At least there was no shaking of the tournament categories, even if events like Indian Wells or Basel would like to have a slightly higher rating. In Switzerland, 500 points are currently awarded for the tournament winner, and permanent guest Roger Federer almost has a subscription.
With Federer as the driving force, of course, it’s a breeze to use the St. Stephen’s. Jakobshalle in Basel. In Rio de Janeiro, on the other hand, also in the 500cc category, there were a few gaps in the stands last week, especially in the early matches.
It’s all a question of cast,”explained tournament director Luiz Carvalho in his final press conference. That’s why Brazil thinks big for the next edition of the Rio Open: No fewer than three Grand Slam champions are to serve under the Sugar Loaf Mountain – and that doesn’t even include Rafael Nadal, for example, to whom the requirements profile of the ash pits in Rio would fit particularly well.
No, Carvalho’s goal is Stan Wawrinka, a player who hasn’t really picked up momentum this year after his long injury break at the Australian Open or the following appearances in Sofia, Rotterdam or Marseille. The sand underlay could be very helpful to the Swiss.
Juan Martin del Potro, on the other hand, is more comfortable on hard courts, while the Argentinean has only had the best memories of Rio de Janeiro since his Olympic silver medal in 2016. In any case, Luiz Carvalho will be competing for the 2009 US Open Champion.
Marin Cilic, the third member of the group, has already made an appearance this year. After a commanding opening victory against Carlos Berlocq, however, the match ended in round two against Gael Monfil’s. The latter, by the way, a player who would like to see Carvalho at his tournament again in 2019. Major title or not.