COSTA DO SAUIPE/STARNBERG, March 25, 2026
Brazil’s biggest Challenger tournament now has its dates set. The Costa do Sauipe Open, the country’s only ATP Challenger 125 event, will take place from November 1 to 8, confirming its second edition as one of the standout events on the South American tennis calendar.
Launched in 2025 and held at the Costa do Sauipe Resort, the tournament awards 125 ATP Ranking points to the champion and has quickly established itself as the second most important tennis event in Brazil, behind only the Rio Open. Within the Challenger circuit, the 125 category represents the highest level regularly held in the region, as 175-level events are typically tied to major tournaments such as Masters 1000 events and rarely take place in South America.
The scale of the event is further highlighted by the continental calendar: only one Challenger 125 has been held in South America so far this season, in Argentina, with the Brazilian tournament set to be the only other at this level before the end of the year.
Beyond its sporting significance, the event carries a rich legacy. Costa do Sauipe previously hosted an ATP 250 tournament from 2001 to 2011, welcoming some of the sport’s biggest names. Gustavo Kuerten lifted the trophy in 2002 and 2004—the latter marking the final title of his career—while Rafael Nadal triumphed in 2005 as a rising star. Other notable players who competed there include Carlos Moya, Guillermo Coria, Gaston Gaudio, Juan Carlos Ferrero, Fernando Meligeni, and Thomaz Bellucci, who reached his first ATP final at the venue in 2009.
The tournament’s new phase continues to invest in the future of Brazilian tennis. Young prospects are once again expected to receive wild cards into the main draw and qualifying, reinforcing the event’s role in player development. One example is junior player Guto Miguel, who received a wild card last year and went on to win the doubles title alongside Eduardo Ribeiro.
The return of the event comes amid a broader transformation of the resort and sports complex. Costa do Sauipe now features renovated Grand Premium hotels such as Brisa Grand Premium, Sol Grand Premium, and the newly opened Mar Premium, all available for guests during the tournament. Additional developments, including the Hot Park Costa do Sauipe, are scheduled for completion in 2027.
For the tournament itself, the facilities have undergone a complete upgrade. The venue now boasts six clay courts, including a central stadium, along with additional hard courts, offering top-level infrastructure for both players and spectators while leaving a lasting legacy for future visitors.
Positioned as a true “destination tournament,” the Costa do Sauipe Open offers an experience that goes far beyond tennis. Set within a fully integrated resort, it combines sport with gastronomy, beaches, pools, and entertainment. All operations—hotels, restaurants, courts, and fan activations—are located within the same complex, allowing for seamless movement and making it ideal for “tennis week” packages for families and fans.
Accessibility is a key advantage: the courts are within walking distance of all hotels, with the Sol Grand Premium just three minutes away on foot, and shuttle services running every 15 minutes. This setup creates a unique “tennis village” atmosphere, fostering close interaction between players and fans through open practices, photos, and autograph sessions.
The trophy, designed by Vivara and produced in Manaus, reflects the event’s premium positioning. Crafted in silver with gold and diamond details, it matches the sophistication of top international tournaments. As a symbolic highlight, Stella Artois honored Brazilian legend Gustavo Kuerten with a special chalice made using sand from Costa do Sauipe, strengthening the connection between brand, location, and experience.
