Munar Faces Faria in High-Stakes Round of 16 Clash in Rio

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil — Jaume Munar, ranked 55th in the world, will face off against 107th-ranked Jaime Faria in the Round of 16 at the Rio Open presented by Claro on Thursday, February 20, 2025. The match is set to begin at approximately 7:30 PM UK time (2:30 PM US ET) at the Jockey Club Brasileiro, where both players will compete on the outdoor clay surface.

Munar enters the match as a favorite with odds of -400, suggesting an 80% implied chance of victory, while Faria is viewed as the underdog with odds of +280. Munar recently reached the semi-finals in Dallas and had the benefit of rest after withdrawing from the Argentina Open last week. He secured his spot in the Round of 16 by defeating Thiago Seyboth Wild in a hard-fought three-set match.

“I feel confident heading into this match,” Munar said. “I’ve been playing well lately, and I believe that my game suits the clay conditions here. I’ll focus on my strengths.”

Faria, 21, has had a challenging path to this stage, having faced elimination by Juan Manuel Cerundolo but earning a lucky loser spot in the draw. He progressed by defeating Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera in the previous round and will look to leverage this opportunity against Munar.

“To get this chance in the main draw is incredible for me,” Faria said. “I know I have to play at my best to challenge a player like Munar, but I’m excited for the match.”

In the broader context of the tournament, the Rio Open is classified as an ATP 500 event and has attracted top talent from around the globe. The Round of 16 contests promise high-stakes drama as players vie for a place in the quarterfinals. A victory for Munar would likely solidify his ranking points and momentum heading deeper into the tournament.

Additionally, fans can catch the action live. In the UK, it will be available on Sky Sports Tennis, while fans in the US can tune into the Tennis Channel. Online streams will also be accessible through Sky Go and the Tennis Channel’s website.

This matchup is one of several anticipated matches in the tournament, reflecting the competitive landscape of men’s tennis as players seek to carve their paths toward success.