RECIFE/STARNBERG, November 5, 2024

At 17, Lucca Acioly is stepping into the professional tennis arena, following in the footsteps of his father, Ricardo Acioly. Lucca received a wild card into to the main draw of the Ano VI Brasil Tennis Classic, an ITF World Tennis Tour M15 event that begins on Monday, November 4, at Lagoa Azul Tennis Club. This tournament, offering $15,000 in prize money and 15 ATP Ranking points to the winner, is Lucca’s debut on the professional circuit. With free entry to the public, the event runs through Sunday, November 10.

Although this is Lucca’s first professional competition, he has already built a solid foundation in junior tournaments, finishing runner-up in singles several times and a doubles title to his name. He has been training for years at the Chris Evert Academy in the United States and often travels with his father, a three-time ATP Tour doubles champion, former Brazilian Davis Cup team captain, and renowned coach.

Despite his father’s deep expertise, Lucca says he has always been encouraged, not pressured. “My dad never pressured me to play tennis; it was always my choice,” Lucca noted, adding that his father is supportive regardless of the outcome.

As Lucca heads into this new chapter, he describes the excitement and anticipation of measuring his skills against seasoned pros: “I’m excited; it’s my first pro tournament. My goal is to give my best and see where I stand compared to these more experienced players.”

Lucca Acioly traveled from the U.S. to Recife and began practicing on the tournament courts on Sunday. The Brasil Tennis Classic has been held at various venues over the years and featured a women’s edition in 2023.