SAO LEOPOLDO/STARNBERG, March 23, 2026

The 2026 edition of the Sao Leo Open is set to mark a historic milestone for one of Brazil’s most respected players on the professional tennis circuit. The 37-year-old Sao Paulo native Daniel Dutra da Silva will make his tenth appearance at the ATP Challenger Tour tournament held in Sao Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul.

Dutra da Silva’s journey at the event dates back to 2006, when the competition hosted its first ITF Futures tournament. On that occasion, he advanced through the qualifying rounds before falling in the second round of the main draw. Since then, the tournament has evolved significantly, and across eight editions, Daniel has remained a constant presence—showcasing his trademark intelligence, tactical awareness, and relentless fighting spirit on court.

“For me, the Sao Leo Open is always a very special tournament because I’ve played every edition,” said Dutra da Silva, currently ranked No. 321 in the world. “I also really enjoy playing in Rio Grande do Sul because of the slower courts. It suits my style very well, and ever since I was young, I’ve always performed well there. Sao Leopoldo is a place I truly enjoy playing in.”

He also emphasized the personal connections that make the event feel like home. “The organizer, Junior, is a great friend who has always supported me—whether with wild cards or opportunities to compete. I feel at home here and can only thank everyone involved for continuing to host a tournament that players love, with excellent structure and organization.”

The Sao Leo Open will take place from March 28 to April 5 and stands as one of the most important professional tennis tournaments in Brazil. As an ATP Challenger 75 event, it offers a total prize pool of $112,000 and regularly attracts players who have been ranked among the world’s top 100.