The ATP 500 Rio de Janeiro round of 16 brings plenty of clay-court action on Thursday night. Tomas Martin Etcheverry looks to justify his favourite status against qualifier Vilius Gaubas, Joao Fonseca aims to build momentum in front of the home crowd, and Matteo Berrettini faces a tricky test against experienced clay specialist Dusan Lajovic. With tight matchups and value on the handicaps, it should be an exciting evening in Rio.
ATP 500 Rio de Janeiro 1/8-Finals
Etcheverry – Gaubas: 19.02.2026 20:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Tomas Martin Etcheverry has won four of his last five matches. This week in Rio de Janeiro, the Argentine defeated Comesana in three tight sets, after losing the opening set 3-6. He is the eighth seed this week in Rio de Janeiro.
Vilius Gaubas has won five straight matches. This week in Rio de Janeiro, the Lithuanian qualified for the main draw tournament by winning both qualifying matches in straight sets. In the opening main draw round, Gaubas defeated Miguel in three tight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Etcheverry is the slight favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He is a prominent former top 50 player. The Argentine enjoys playing on clay courts, where he had his most significant results. On the other hand, Gaubas has spent most of his career to date at the Challenger Tour level. We expect Etcheverry to dominate in this matchup.
That being said, Etcheverry covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Tomas Martin Etcheverry -4.5 games handicap @1.83 @bet365
Fonseca – Buse: 19.02.2026 23:00 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Joao Fonseca has lost four of his last five matches. This week in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian defeated Monteiro in the opening round in straight sets. Last season in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian lost to Muller in the opening round in straight sets.
Ignacio Buse has won three of his last five matches. This week in Rio de Janeiro, Buse defeated Marcondes in three tight sets, after losing the opening set 4-6.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Fonseca is the clear favourite in this matchup, and we agree. He enjoyed playing in the opening round at home. Fonseca is one of the biggest favourites this week, and we expect him to dominate in the second round.
That being said, Fonseca covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Joao Fonseca -4.5 games handicap @2.00 @bet365
Berrettini – Lajovic: 20.02.2026 00:30 CEST
H2H: first meeting
Matteo Berrettini has won three of his last five matches. This is his second appearance in Rio de Janeiro. In the opening round, Berrettini defeated Barrios Vera in straight sets. In 2022, the Italian lost to Alcaraz in the quarterfinals in three tight sets.
Dusan Lajovic has lost three of his last five matches. He entered the main draw this week as a lucky loser. In the opening main draw round, Lajovic defeated Altmaier in straight sets.
Best Bet to Make
According to the bookies, Lajovic is the underdog in this matchup, but we disagree. Berrettini struggled in the opening round against Barrios Vera. On the other hand, Lajovic is a clay-court specialist and one of the most experienced players in the draw. We expect him to keep this match close.
That being said, Lajovic covering the games handicap is a value bet.
Value bet/ the best odds: Dusan Lajovic +3.5 games handicap @1.91 @bet365
Main Photo Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
