One of the stars of the 10th edition of the Rio Open presented by Caro, Frenchman Arthur Fils did what most tourists in Rio do: visit the Christ the Redeemer.
The 19-year-old is in Brazil for the first time to play at the ATP 500 tournament that takes place at Jockey Club Brasileiro from February 17th to 25th.
One of the raising stars of the ATP Tour, ranked number 36 in the world, visit the tourist attraction with his father, former basketball player Jean-Philippe Fils, and his coach, Spaniard Sergi Brugera, an old acquaintance of the Brazilians, since he played the 1997 Roland Garros final against local hero Gustavo Kuerten.
During the visit Fils signed some items that will be auctioned by the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer with proceeds going to 140 social institutions supported by the Sanctuary.
The youngster was impressed with the beauty of the place. “It's simply amazing. I used to see the image of the Christ on social media and my friends sent some photos to me when they came here, but since this is my first time here I’m really happy. It’s awesome and really special to be here. I’m very proud and excited to play in Rio for the first time. It was really nice to get the invitation to play here and I’m very thankful”, said Fils.
As a first-timer at the Rio Open presented by Claro, Fils said that he studied some of the previous matches at Jockey Club Brasileiro and hopes to have a great week at the clay courts.
“I did watch some highlights before coming here and I hope to have a great tournament. Of course I’ll try my best and if I can win some matches will be fantastic.”
The 19-year-old is in Brazil for the first time to play at the ATP 500 tournament that takes place at Jockey Club Brasileiro from February 17th to 25th.
One of the raising stars of the ATP Tour, ranked number 36 in the world, visit the tourist attraction with his father, former basketball player Jean-Philippe Fils, and his coach, Spaniard Sergi Brugera, an old acquaintance of the Brazilians, since he played the 1997 Roland Garros final against local hero Gustavo Kuerten.
During the visit Fils signed some items that will be auctioned by the Sanctuary of Christ the Redeemer with proceeds going to 140 social institutions supported by the Sanctuary.
The youngster was impressed with the beauty of the place. “It's simply amazing. I used to see the image of the Christ on social media and my friends sent some photos to me when they came here, but since this is my first time here I’m really happy. It’s awesome and really special to be here. I’m very proud and excited to play in Rio for the first time. It was really nice to get the invitation to play here and I’m very thankful”, said Fils.
As a first-timer at the Rio Open presented by Claro, Fils said that he studied some of the previous matches at Jockey Club Brasileiro and hopes to have a great week at the clay courts.
“I did watch some highlights before coming here and I hope to have a great tournament. Of course I’ll try my best and if I can win some matches will be fantastic.”
