Brazilians João Fonseca and Marcelo Melo defeated Argentines Andrés Molteni and Máximo González by 2 sets to 0, partial scores of 6/4 and 6/0, and guaranteed qualification for the semi-finals of the Rio Open doubles bracket. The match, played on the afternoon of this Wednesday (18), was played at Quadra Guga Kuerten, the main court of the Brazilian Jockey Club, which is located in Gávea, south of Rio de Janeiro.
🇧🇷 Melo/Fonseca 🇧🇷 in the doubles SEMIFINAL 🎾
The Brazilian pair scores 6/4 6/0 on the Argentine pair and now takes on the winners of Schnaitter/Wallner x Cerundolo/Comesana!#RioOpen pic.twitter.com/NIDN5C40ya
— Rio Open (@RioOpenOficial) February 18, 2026
Current number 38 in the singles ranking of the Association of Professional Tennis Players (ATP), João Fonseca debuted last Tuesday (17) in the singles competition with a victory of 2 sets to 0, partials of 7/6 (7-1) and 6/1, over fellow Brazilian Thiago Monteiro.
In the round of 16, João will face Peruvian Ignácio Buse (91st). The rival qualified by eliminating another Brazilian, São Paulo’s Igor Marcondes (348th), last Monday (16), 2-1, 6/4, 5/7 and 4/6.
The Rio Open is a 500 level tournament, the third in importance on the regular circuit. Only 1000-level events and Grand Slams (Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and US Open) are weighted more.
