Rio Open signs the Brazilian player of the year for 2019
The world no. 9 and the winner of four ATP doubles titles in 2018, Marcelo Melo, has been named the Brazilian player of the year for the second time in a row following a rock solid season that he had with Lukasz Kubot. A few days after receiving the award, Marcelo has been confirmed for the ATP 500 tournament in Rio de Janeiro, the biggest tournament in South America that will take place between February 18-24 at the Jockey Club Brasileiro. After Dominic Thiem, Diego Schwartzman and Fabio Fognini who will lead the singles draw, Marcelo has joined the fellow Brazilian Bruno Soares and Jamie Murray, the first confirmed team for 2019 Rio Open.
We are yet to find out the name of Melo's partner, competing with Kubot (the Pole is yet to decide will he travel to Brazil in February to join Melo) in 2017 and 2018 and reaching the final with David Marrero in the inaugural Rio Open back in 2014 when they were beaten by Cabal and Farah. Melo said it will be a pleasure for him to compete in Rio for the sixth time, with the special feeling every time he plays in front of the home crowd. In addition, tournament director Luiz Carvalho is thrilled to have another top-10 home star in the field, improving the chances to finally see the Brazilian champion in Rio after the domination of the Colombian and Spanish players in the first five editions.
An 18-year-old Thiago Wild will defend the colors of the Brazilian flag in singles, earning a wild card after winning the Maria Esther Bueno Cup in Sao Paulo that secured the main draw invitation for him.
from Tennis World USA http://bit.ly/2EJVl1R
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