RIO DE JANEIRO – In a grueling semifinal clash at the Rio Open presented by Claro, eighth-seeded Argentine Tomás Martín Etcheverry overcame a spirited effort from Czech Republic’s Vit Kopřiva, securing his place in the final. Etcheverry prevailed 4-6, 7-6(2), 7-6(4) after a match extended by rain and heat, setting up a final showdown with Alejandro Tabilo of Chile.
The match, initially disrupted by a downpour on Saturday, resumed Sunday morning under vastly different conditions – a clear sky and 27 degrees Celsius – after Kopřiva had taken the first set 5-4 when play was suspended. The Rio Open, an ATP 500 event, will spot a champion crowned Sunday evening after both finalists are required to play again today.
Rain Delay and a Resilient Kopřiva
Saturday’s persistent rain forced the postponement of both semifinals after just 50 minutes of action. Kopřiva had started strongly, capitalizing on a break point opportunity to take a 5-4 lead in the first set before the weather intervened. The delay didn’t seem to faze the Czech player, who completed the set upon resumption, winning 6-4.
Kopřiva, relying heavily on a strong serve throughout the tournament, continued to dictate play in the second set. Etcheverry, yet, began to disrupt Kopřiva’s rhythm with more aggressive net play. The set remained on serve until 6-5 in favor of Etcheverry, where Kopřiva faced a break and set point. He impressively saved both, including a stunning backhand drop shot, and then another, forcing a tiebreak. Etcheverry ultimately took the tiebreak 7-2, leveling the match and erasing Kopřiva’s first set lead.
Heat Suspension and a Decisive Tiebreak
Just as the third set was about to commence, play was suspended again, this time due to the extreme heat. After a delay of over an hour, the players returned to court on Quadra Guga Kuerten. Despite the interruptions, both players maintained a high level of play.
The third set mirrored the second, with both Etcheverry and Kopřiva holding serve comfortably. A crucial moment arrived at 4-4, 30-30 on Kopřiva’s serve, where the net cord saved him from a break point. Kopřiva held, and the set ultimately went to a tiebreak. Etcheverry gained an early advantage in the tiebreak, leading 2-0, but Kopřiva quickly responded to level at 2-2. However, Etcheverry regained control, ultimately winning the tiebreak 7-4 and securing his spot in the final.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Etcheverry, who will now compete for his first ATP Tour title. Kopřiva, despite the loss, is projected to reach a career-high ranking of 65th in the world, a testament to his impressive run in Rio de Janeiro.
What’s Next for Etcheverry and Tabilo?
Etcheverry will face Alejandro Tabilo in the final, scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Local time (20:30 UTC) on Sunday. Tabilo advanced to the final after defeating Ignacio Buse in their semifinal match, also rescheduled due to the rain. [1] The final promises to be a compelling contest between two players vying for the ATP 500 title in Rio.
The Sunday schedule also includes the doubles final, featuring Constantin Frantzen and Robin Haase against Joao Fonseca and Marcelo Melo, starting at 2:30 p.m. Local time (19:30 UTC). [2]
For fans following the action, the Rio Open is being broadcast on Disney+. [4]
Etcheverry’s path to the final wasn’t without its challenges, but his resilience and ability to perform under pressure ultimately proved decisive. The Argentine will glance to carry that momentum into the final and claim his first ATP Tour title.
The tournament has been heavily impacted by weather this week, but the players have demonstrated remarkable adaptability. The final promises to be a fitting conclusion to a dramatic Rio Open.
Key Takeaways:
- Tomás Martín Etcheverry defeated Vit Kopřiva in a three-set semifinal thriller.
- The match was significantly delayed due to rain and extreme heat.
- Etcheverry will face Alejandro Tabilo in the final on Sunday evening.
- Vit Kopřiva is projected to reach a career-high ranking of 65th.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Rio Open and the latest updates from the world of tennis.
