Before we find out the 2026 champion, the Rio Open final will once again feature one of the tournament’s most emblematic moments: the performance of Brazil’s national anthem. In this edition, the anthem will be interpreted by a percussion ensemble made up of children and young musicians from different samba schools, conducted by Pretinho da Serrinha, with the participation of Miguelzinho do Cavaco, on the Sunday following Carnival, which also marks the day of the final.
The rehearsal for the performance took place this Monday (26) at Cidade do Samba and offered an early glimpse of the emotional impact expected for the final. The percussion-led arrangement enhances the collective power of the ritual and heightens the sense of tension and anticipation that precedes the tournament’s decisive match.
“Conducting the performance of the Brazilian National Anthem at the Rio Open final is an immense honor. We are talking about an international tennis tournament that showcases Rio de Janeiro to the world. As a musical director, leading a presentation with 21 young percussionists alongside Miguelzinho do Cavaco, on the Sunday after Carnival, is deeply symbolic. It is a real opportunity to inspire dreams and open new paths, building bridges between culture, sport and education — and bringing these talents closer to experiences that can change lives,” said Pretinho da Serrinha.
“Taking part in the performance of the National Anthem at the Rio Open final is an amotion that is hard to describe. It is a moment of great responsibility and, at the same time, great pride. We are talking about the biggest tennis tournament in South America, and opening a final of this magnitude through music is something that marks a lifetime. Sharing this moment with Pretinho, a major reference for me and for Brazilian music, makes it even more special. It is the union of sport, culture and Brazil in a single moment,” said Miguelzinho do Cavaco.
By bringing samba to center court, the Rio Open takes an opposite path from the usual one. After introducing players such as Rafael Nadal, Gustavo Kuerten and Fabio Fognini to the Carnival experience over the years, the tournament now incorporates the city’s greatest cultural expression into its closing ritual.
“This edition has everything to be one of the most special ones yet, thanks to a fortunate coincidence of dates that sees the Rio Open taking place alongside Carnival, our greatest celebration. We will have the perfect setting, with the city in full celebration, bringing together people full of energy in search of joy and entertainment. To celebrate this connection, we will feature the talent of Pretinho da Serrinha conducting a percussion ensemble of young musicians, accompanied by Miguelzinho do Cavaco, in the performance of the national anthem at the Rio Open final. It will be a great celebration uniting sport and culture,” said Marcia Casz, Tournament Director of the Rio Open.
The largest tennis tournament in South America, the Rio Open has built a strong relationship with the city and Brazilian culture over the years. The national anthem, in particular, has become a highlight of the event, serving as a symbolic link between high-performance sport and Rio de Janeiro’s cultural identity.
Artists who have previously taken part in this special moment include Iza, Seu Jorge, Fernanda Abreu, Julia Mestre, Agnes Nunes and the Orquestra da Maré.
