The ATP Rio Open 2026 sees a jam-packed draw with the top seeds moving ahead along with young hopefuls who are eager to leave a mark. As ever, we preview and predict all the scheduled matches for you.

ATP Rio Day 3 Predictions
Vit Kopriva vs Roman Andres Burruchaga

Head-to-head – First Meeting

Vit Kopriva had a decent outing in Buenos Aires last week and has started solidly again in Rio. Roman Andres Burruchaga arrives full of confidence after taking out the fifth seed in a fantastic win. Both are comfortable on clay, but expect a tight battle with Burruchaga looking especially hungry to seize his opportunity and edge this one.

Prediction: Burruchaga in 3

Juan Manuel Cerundolo vs Yannick Hanfmann

Head-to-head – Cerundolo 2-0 Hanfmann

Juan Manuel Cerundolo impressed by taking out last week’s finalist Luciano Darderi in a high-quality match and has already beaten Yannick Hanfmann in both of their previous meetings. Hanfmann also progressed comfortably, but Cerundolo is the more natural clay-courter. Expect Cerundolo to use his consistency and variety to secure the win.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3

Francesco Passaro vs Alejandro Tabilo

Head-to-head – First Meeting

Francesco Passaro did well to come through qualifying and is very comfortable on clay. However, Alejandro Tabilo is an even stronger operator on this surface and looked sharp in his previous win. With more variety and a few extra tricks up his sleeve, Tabilo should have the edge to progress to the last eight.
Prediction: Tabilo in 2

Francisco Cerundolo vs Thiago Agustin Tirante

Head-to-head – First Meeting

Francisco Cerundolo already has a title to his name in Buenos Aires last week, and the Argentine looks likely to make it back to back. He won easily in his first round and now faces a fellow countryman in Thiago Agustin Tirante. Cerundolo is definitely the stronger player of the two, and while Tirante has the better serve, Cerundolo is a far better player from the baseline–which will be the key to victory.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 2

Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports