Brandon Nakashima wins UTS Rio presented by XP on debut as 17-year-old Guto Miguel pushes to the final and Fonseca shines in front of home crowd

RIO DE JANEIRO | 2026, July 18th – Brandon Nakashima claimed the UTS Rio presented by XP title in commanding fashion, defeating Guto Miguel 3-0 in the Final (15-14, 17-14, 15-13) to become one of the tournament format’s rarest champions: a first-time UTS competitor who wins outright, such as Jack Draper (London 2023), Tomas Machac (Acapulco 2025) or Francisco Cerundolo (Hong Kong 2025).

The American’s 40-minute masterclass capped a Saturday of five matches across two classifications and two semifinals at the Maracañazinho, cementing Nakashima’s arrival as a force on the fast-court circuit.

Nakashima’s path to the title belied his slow Friday start, where he fell to Guto Miguel in a Sudden Death thriller on Day 2. But the 24-year-old recalibrated, methodically dismantling Nick Kyrgios 3-1 in the semifinals (14-18, 20-10, 17-12, 20-10) before facing the Brazilian prodigy, 17-year-old Guto, in the final.

Nakashima’s revenge on Miguel

Against Guto, Nakashima’s consistency – 60% return points won, 2 quarter points converted, 0 unforced errors in the decisive Sudden Death – proved the difference. All three final quarters remained brutally tight, yet Nakashima never trailed.

“It was a great couple of days here,” Nakashima said to the media. “I really enjoyed my first experience here in Brazil and first UTS experience. Super happy and thankful for everyone that was a part of it.”

Against a hometown favorite energized by the Maracanãzinho crowd, the American shifted his tactical approach for the Final. “I was going for my shots a little bit more, trying to play more aggressive than the previous match because with his power and everything, once he gets on the offensive it’s tough to defend. I’m super happy with my level, especially dealing with the crowd and the atmosphere.”

The day belonged equally to Brazil’s tennis faithful. Guto Miguel reached the final after an epic 3-2 Sudden Death semifinal win over Francisco Cerúndolo, sweeping the decisive fifth quarter after clawing back from Cerúndolo’s Q1 blitz (23-11).

Miguel’s elite wins

Though the teenager fell short in the final, his journey from Day 1 upset hero to runner-up captivated the Maracanãzinho crowd. His three elite wins, against Nick Kyrgios, Brandon Nakashima and Cerundolo, proved his pedigree at the highest level.

“For sure I don’t like to lose as any tennis player, but it’s still a positive week,” Guto said, reconciling the sting of the Final defeat with the magnitude of his run. The 17-year-old acknowledged Nakashima’s clutch play – “in the important moments he grew his level a little bit – but remained grounded about his own performance. “I’ve learned that when I play enjoying the moment and no complaints during the point, I can play my best tennis.”

João Fonseca, who had exited the main bracket Friday, claimed redemption in the classification match against Corentin Moutet, the French veteran sporting a Flamengo jersey in tribute to Brazil’s football legacy. Fonseca’s 3-1 victory (19-10 in Q4) gave the Brazilian fans a second protagonist and delivered a farewell statement after his own tumultuous two-day stint.

“What I’ve learned this week is that in tennis, you need to be very focused because when it’s loud, it’s difficult to play,” he reflected with a smile, channeling the Maracanãzinho roar into tactical clarity.

More than the win, Fonseca emphasized the privilege of competing at home on his grandmother’s birthday, surrounded by family and a Brazilian crowd that made the noise a feature, not a distraction. “Having this experience is a pleasure for me. We normally only have once a year playing the Rio Open, so yeah it’s for sure a great experience. Living this moment for sure I’m gonna take for the rest of my career.”

FINAL
Brandon Nakashima d. Guto Miguel: 3-0 (15-14, 17-14, 15-13)

SEMI-FINALS
Miguel d. Francisco Cerúndolo: 3-2 (11-23, 15-12, 15-16, 17-12, 2-0 SD)
Nakashima d. Nick Kyrgios: 3-1 (14-18, 20-10, 17-12, 20-10)

CLASSIFICATION MATCHES
Cameron Norrie d. Tallon Griekspoor: 3-2 (12-19, 19-20, 18-7, 18-10, 2-1 SD)
João Fonseca d. Corentin Moutet: 3-1 (16-14, 13-20, 16-14, 19-10)

Final Prize Money:

1. Brandon Nakashima – $368,800
2. Guto Miguel – $214,200
3. Francisco Cerúndolo – $123,000
4. Nick Kyrgios – $123,000
5. Cameron Norrie – $119,600
6. João Fonseca – $119,600
7. Tallon Griekspoor – $100,400
8. Corentin Moutet – $69,200