First Winner
Thomas Martin Etcheverry: Light of the First Conqueror
After losing three finals, Argentina wins in Rio de Janeiro
February 23, 2026
Fotojump/Rio Open
Tomas Martin Etcheverry celebrates with his team after winning his first ATP Tour title in Rio de Janeiro.
By ATP staff
After three painful losses in tour-level finals, Tomas Martin Etcheverry finally won his first ATP Tour title.
The 26-year-old Argentinian achieved a remarkable milestone at the Rio Open presented by Claro, where he battled through a tough Sunday against Vit Kopriva in the semi-finals and Alejandro Tabilo in the championship match.
The victory marked a long-awaited breakthrough for Etcheverry, who had come close to the finals in Santiago, Houston, and most notably in Lyon, where he held a point before falling to Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the decider.
After lifting the trophy in Rio and rising 18 places to No.
What does it mean to win your first ATP Tour title?
A dream come true. I was working hard with my team. I’ve lost in the final three times before, so it was in my head. I got a new opportunity this week. It was tough conditions – physically. Today I played four hours in the semi-finals [and final]. Yesterday there was a rain delay, today there was a heat wave… It was really hard, but I did it. I’m really proud of myself.
Who are some of the most important people you would like to dedicate this trophy to?
My family and my girlfriend, they don’t believe in me. My team, very supportive. It was a difficult year for me. I lost a lot of games… I think they deserve this title. Me and me.
After losing three finals, how important was winning the title in your mind?
I was under a lot of pressure because I wanted to be the ATP Tour champion, of course. It was in my head. One of the goals this year was to become an ATP Tour champion, and I did it.
When you started this sport as a child, what made you fall in love with tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was five years old. I love this game so much. I like to travel and compete… I think this is the best sport in the world.
He said Djokovic and Del Potro are your idols. What do you like about each of them?
Juan Martin from Argentina, made many great moments for our tennis. He inspired me when he won the 2009 US Open. That night I cried a lot and I still think about that game. Yes, Novak because I like the way he plays, how [even] now he plays at a high level with Jannik [Sinner] and Carlos [Alcaraz]. I think he is the best player in history.
What’s the story behind naming your dog ‘Roland Garros’?
When I was 9 years old, my father gave me a small dog. I named him Roland Garros because it’s my favorite tournament. He died last year, but lived for 16 years.
What do people not know about you?
I like to build Lego. I’m a big fan. I have a little museum in my house now with Star Wars and other buildings. I think it’s really fun.
