SAO LEOPOLDO/STARNBERG, March 27, 2024
The clay-court swing in South America continues this week on the ATP Challenger Tour with the second edition of the Circuito Banco BRB/Engie De Tenis Profesional – Sao Leo Open. The tournament offers a total prize of $82,000 and is being held at the Sao Leopoldo Tenis Clube in Sao Leopolo.
The vibrant city with about 240,000 inhabitants is located in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. It is known for its rich history, cultural heritage, and industrial importance in the region. Founded by German immigrants in 1824, Sao Leopoldo has grown into a dynamic urban center with a diverse population and a thriving economy.
Luz upsets Monteiro
Orlando Luz headlined Tuesday’s first-round action by knocking out No. 2 seed Thiago Monteiro 4-6, 6-3, 7-5. The Brazilian alternate sent down nine aces and broke his compatriot’s serve twice to prevail after two hours and 29 minutes.
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“I have great admiration for Thiago Monteiro. I look up to him. It’s very difficult to play against people you admire. I’m very happy, it was a great victory. I showed good tennis. I’ve been playing very well in recent weeks. I’m very happy,” Luz said afterwards. The World No. 371 will next take on Pedro Sakamoto of Brazil.
In the top half of the draw, No. 1 seed and defending Sao Leo Open champion Juan Pablo Varillas opened his title bid with a 7-5, 7-6(0) win over Argentine lucky loser Gonzalo Villanueva. The 95th-ranked Peruvian won 71 per cent of his first-service points and 56 per cent of the total points played to advance in two hours and 22 minutes.
Up next for Varillas will be Argentine qualifier Lorenzo Joaquin Rodriguez.
