SAO LEOPOLDO/STARNBERG, November 14, 2025
Great news for Brazilian tennis: the Sao Leo Open is officially set to return in 2026. From March 28 to April 5, Sao Leopoldo will once again take its place on the international tennis map, welcoming top-ranked athletes from around the globe. The announcement was made by Quadra Eventos, confirming that next year’s edition will feature an ATP Challenger 75 tournament with total prize money of USD 112,000.
The Sao Leo Open is one of Brazil’s most important professional tennis events. It regularly attracts players who are, or have been, ranked inside the world’s Top 100, providing international visibility while bringing life and energy to the city and the Sao Leopoldo Tenis Clube. With Challengers scheduled in Sao Paulo the week before and Campinas the week after, the 2026 edition is expected to feature a particularly strong field.
Jose Carlos Ferreira Junior, Director of Quadra Eventos, celebrated the announcement with emotion.
“It’s a great joy to confirm another edition of the biggest sporting event in our city — and the most important tennis event in Rio Grande do Sul,” he said. “The Sao Leo Open is much more than a tennis tournament; it’s a celebration of sport, joy, and the resilience of our city and state. Our last edition in 2024 took place just days before the worst climate tragedy in the history of Rio Grande do Sul, which severely affected São Leopoldo. Being able to confirm the tournament’s return now is a testament to the strength of our land and our people. It will definitely be the biggest and best edition yet.”
Eliane Tonello, President of the Sao Leopoldo Tenis Clube, shared her excitement and confirmed preparations are already underway.
“It’s an honor to host such a major event, welcoming top national and international players. It will be especially meaningful as our club celebrates its 114th anniversary — making us one of the oldest tennis clubs in Brazil. We’re very proud to host this tournament. The club is being renovated, including the courts and infrastructure, and by 2026 we’ll be ready to welcome everyone with first-class facilities,” Tonello said.
Alexandre Farias, President of the Brazilian Tennis Confederation (CBT), highlighted the tournament’s national importance.
“The Sao Leo Open ATP Challenger 75 has established itself as one of the most important professional events in Brazilian and South American tennis,” Farias noted. “Now in its fifth edition as a Challenger, the tournament continues to demonstrate excellence in organization and infrastructure, while playing a key role in the development of national tennis. For Brazilian players, it provides a valuable opportunity to earn crucial ranking points without the high costs of international travel. More than just a tournament, the Sao Leo Open represents a celebration of sport, perseverance, and collaboration between public, private, and sporting institutions that believe in tennis as a tool for human and social development.”
