Thiago Monteiro beats Frenchman Monfils in the debut of the Masters Mil in Rome

The first Brazilian to debut in the main draw of the Masters 1000 in Rome, Thiago Monteiro defeated Frenchman Gael Monfils, former number six in the world and current 38th, this Wednesday (8), guaranteeing his place in the second round of the tournament. The 39-year-old from Ceará, in 106th place in the ranking, qualified for his debut after two consecutive victories in the qualifying phase, the last of which against Frenchman Corentin Moutet (83rd). Monteiro returns to the court on Friday (10) against the British Jordan Thompson (35th), at a time yet to be defined by the organizers.

“This victory means a lot to me, even more so playing on a court as special as Pietrangeli which, for me, is the most beautiful on the entire circuit. It was my first time playing on it and I felt really good. Happy with the game, with the consistency shown, with having played well in the important moments and taking advantage of the chances I created”, celebrated Monteiro.

With the triumph today in Rome, the Brazilian should rise to the top 100 in the next update of the world rankings of the Association of Professional Tennis Players (ATP). During the season, Monteiro had already eliminated the Greek Stefanos Tsisipas, number seven in the world, in the second round of the Masters 1000 in Madrid.

Premieres this Thursday (9)

Back in 13th position in the world rankings, São Paulo’s Beatriz Haddad Maia debuts in Rome, at 7:20 am (Brasília time) this Thursday (9), against China’s Xinyu Wang (20th).

At 8:40 am, the pair of Marcelo Melo from Minas Gerais and German Alexander Zverev will compete in the first round against the partnership of Briton Neal Shupski and North American Austin Krajicek.

The last debut of the day will be between Thiago Wild from Paraná and Spain’s Sebastian Baez. Starting at 10 am, they will face the Polish Hubert Hurkacz in partnership with the Dutch Tallon Griekspoor.

Friday (10) has Luisa Stefani on the court

The duo from São Paulo Luisa Stefani and the Dutch Demi Shuurs compete in the first round of Madrid against partners Giuliana Olmos (Mexico) and Alexandra Panova (Russia) at 6am on Friday (10).