SANTOS/STARNBERG, May 5, 2026
The main draw of the Santos Brasil Tennis Cup gets underway this Tuesday afternoon, featuring a busy schedule of eight singles matches and the opening doubles encounters at the Tenis Clube de Santos. Earlier in the day, the final round of qualifying will determine the last six spots in the ATP Challenger 50 event, which offers free admission to fans.
Opening play on the Centre Court, Eduardo Ribeiro will take on Colombia’s Miguel Tobon. He will be followed by an all South American clash, as Brazil’s Pedro Sakamoto faces Argentina’s Valerio Aboian, backed by strong local support. “The expectation is always to play well and keep improving day by day. I really enjoy playing here—people in Santos are always very welcoming. Now it’s about staying focused and putting everything into practice on court,” said Sakamoto ahead of his match.
Later in the day, two young prospects—Eduardo Schiessl (21) and Gustavo Albieri (18)—will close the action on the main court, while Court 1 will host a battle of experience between Daniel Dutra Silva and Argentina’s Facundo Mena. Jose Pereira, recently a father for the second time, will also be in action against Lorenzo Rodriguez of Argentina.
In doubles, local interest will centre on brothers Guto and Felipe Miguel, who reunite to face Juan Manuel La Serna and Miguel Tobon. The duo already claimed two ITF World Tennis Tour titles together in 2025 during the US college off-season, where Felipe competes.
Meanwhile, the qualifying draw has already delivered a personal milestone for 16-year-old Raphael Pucinelli. Competing at his home club and inspired by his older brother Matheus, he confirmed his ambition to pursue a professional tennis career. “I told my father that I’m sure this is what I want to do. The result wasn’t what we hoped for, but I played well and enjoyed the experience. My goal is to start playing Futures events next season,” he said.
The Santos Brasil Tennis Cup is part of the ATP Challenger Tour calendar and is supported by the Brazilian Tennis Confederation, the São Paulo Tennis Federation, and the Tênis Clube de Santos, with organization by Instituto Sports.
