SAO LUIS/STARNBERG, September 21, 2026

After a week of competition at Sports Village, the Santos Brasil Tennis Classic – Sao Luis stage – came to an end with a maiden professional title for 21-year-old Leyla Britez.

The singles final between Britez of Paraguay and Ava Catanzarite of the United States entertained the home crowd from the opening point. Britez produced another outstanding performance to win the World Tennis Tour W15 title without dropping a set throughout the tournament, making the week in the capital of Maranhao a significant milestone in her young career.

After showing an impressive level of tennis throughout the week, Britez delivered another near-perfect performance in the final, completing a dominant 6-1, 6-1 victory in just one hour and one minute.

“I’m very happy. It was a great tournament and I managed to leave with both the singles and doubles titles. I love coming to Brazil; it is one of my favourite countries and the crowd is very supportive. I would also like to thank my coach, who is also my brother, for all his support and guidance. This was my first final and my first professional title, so I am very happy,” Britez said after the victory.

Having completed her college career and committed to the professional circuit this season, Britez leaves Sao Luis with the title and 15 ranking points, lifting her to a career-high No. 934 in the WTA Rankings.

“Today I had a difficult match. Leyla was much more prepared than I was. I have known her since college and I know she is a great player. Overall, it was a wonderful week and I am looking forward to what comes next,” Catanzarite said after the final.

The US-American will remain in Brazil next week and compete in a tournament in Belem, Para.