Isner Gives A Lift In Rio
Top American John Isner visited the biggest favela in Brazil – Rocinha – on Saturday to hit with local kids ahead of the Rio Open presented by Claro.
“This is the first time I’ve been here,” said Isner. “It’s beautiful. The people are so nice. A project like this is amazing, especially having a tennis court like this in Rocinha. It can only help the kids here. It seems like there are 100 of them here today and they’re all enjoying playing tennis. That puts a smile on my face.”
Isner, seeded fourth, will open against Guido Pella, with seventh seed Fabio Fognini also lurking in his quarter of the draw. Defending champion David Ferrer looms as a potential semi-final opponent.
“The city here is beautiful,” Isner added. “I’ve never been here before. It’s breathtaking. I’m having a great time.”
The court in Rocinha, which was opened in 2012 by Novak Djokovic and former World No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten, was later named after ATP player Fabiano de Paula, who runs a tennis school there. Escola de Tênis Fabiano de Paula started its activities last February and has more than 200 students from Rocinha. De Paula was born and raised in Rocinha and is currently World No. 752 in the Emirates ATP Rankings. He will take part in the doubles draw at Rio Open presented by Claro, partnering 18-year-old Orlando Luz.
Top seed Rafael Nadal opens against Pablo Carreno Busta, with countryman Ferrer seeded second and set to clash against Nicolas Jarry in the first round. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga is seeded third.