Portuguese Jaime Faria is forging a special relationship with the Rio Open, presented by Claro. For the second consecutive year, he entered the main singles draw of the ATP 500 as a lucky loser and reached the quarter-finals.
This Thursday, the world number 147 defeated Bosnian Damir Dzumhur, ranked 62nd in the world, in their first and very tough match (7/6(1), 6/4).
“I played a solid game, despite a nervous start. But I managed to find my rhythm little by little, serve well, and come back from 2-5 to 7-6 in the first set, despite the fatigue. I knew I had points to defend from last year. I'm relieved,” said Faria, who had the support of the Brazilian crowd on Court 1.
On Tuesday, the Portuguese tennis player had already defeated the two-time Rio Open champion, the Argentinian Sebastián Báez, ranked 32nd in the world, in the biggest victory of his career.
This is the third time Faria has reached the quarterfinals on the ATP Tour, the second time at the Rio Open. Now, he will face Argentinian Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Friday. He won Lithuanian Vilus Gaubas (7/6(1), 6/4).
“I’ve trained with Etcheverry a few times, he’s a very experienced player and it’s going to be a big challenge, a good game, quite difficult emotionally for both of us”, Faria added.
