Founded in 2017, NERO (Rio Open Sports Development Center) is the flagship project of Rio Open Ace, the tournament’s social platform that brings together all of its social responsibility initiatives throughout the year.

Through NERO, children and teenagers have free access to tennis lessons combined with educational support, citizenship development, meals, and all necessary equipment, delivered through an inclusive, high-quality educational approach.

Structure and Opportunities

NERO serves children and young people up to the age of 15 from eight public schools located in Rio de Janeiro’s West Zone. All materials required for the lessons—including racquets, balls, uniforms, and equipment—are provided by Rio Open.

When participants reach the maximum age to remain in the program, those who stand out are referred to high-performance training centers, strengthening their pathway in the sport and expanding their opportunities for personal and professional development.

Expansion: New Center in Campo Grande

In May 2025, Rio Open took an important step forward with the inauguration of a new NERO center in Campo Grande, also located in Rio de Janeiro’s West Zone. The initiative aims to serve students from public schools linked to the city's 9th Regional Education Coordination Office (CRE).

The lessons are offered free of charge at the Action Tennis facilities and are exclusively available to public school students, initially benefiting between 50 and 70 children.

“More than a new facility, this inauguration symbolizes Rio Open’s commitment to creating a transformative legacy. Sport is a powerful tool for inclusion, discipline, and hope. Over the years, we have positively impacted more than a thousand children and young people, and seeing NERO arrive in Campo Grande is incredibly rewarding. It marks the beginning of a new journey, where tennis becomes a gateway to new opportunities in life,” said Thomaz Costa, Vice Director of Rio Open.

Where the Program Takes Place

NERO currently operates in two locations:

Barra da Tijuca – Clube Marapendi

Av. das Américas, 3979
Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 22631-000

Campo Grande – Action Tennis

Caminho do Partido, 152
Campo Grande, Rio de Janeiro – RJ, 23017-030

At both locations, students benefit from the supervision of qualified professionals, periodic medical monitoring, and meals provided during activities.