Unranked Brazilians Keep Main Draw Dreams Alive at WTT São José dos Campos

Posted : 22 July 2026

Four unranked Brazilian players remain just two victories away from qualifying for the main draw of the WTT Star Contender São José dos Campos 2026 after an encouraging opening day in the qualifying rounds.

Although 23-year-old Kauan Monteiro narrowly missed out on one of the tournament's biggest upsets, his spirited performance against sixth seed Eusebio Vos won plenty of admiration. Monteiro recovered from losing the first two games to level the match before eventually falling 11-4, 11-8, 9-11, 8-11, 12-10 in a dramatic five-game contest.

The Brazilian had earlier secured a straight-games victory over compatriot Rodrigo Calabria to reach the second qualifying round. He also saved three match points against Vos before finally bowing out after a determined comeback.

Elsewhere, Lucas Paiva advanced after edging fellow Brazilian Heverton Guedes in another thrilling five-game encounter. Paiva prevailed 11-9, 9-11, 11-8, 5-11, 12-10 despite Guedes holding two match points in the deciding game. Paiva responded with four consecutive winners to complete a memorable victory.

Fifteen-year-old Felipe Santos also kept his qualification hopes alive after defeating Gabriel Antunes 12-10, 11-3, 6-11, 7-11, 11-4. Santos started strongly by taking the opening two games before Antunes mounted a comeback to force a decider. The teenager regained control in the fifth game to move a step closer to earning his first WTT Series main draw appearance.

Another Brazilian to progress was 19-year-old Breno Panini, who produced an impressive straight-games victory over 57-year-old Neder Neves. Panini claimed a 11-5, 12-10, 11-1 win by relying on his previous WTT experience against an opponent making his tournament debut.

The teenager recovered from a 5-2 deficit in the opening game by winning nine consecutive points and later saved four game points in the second before dominating the final game with an 11-point scoring run.

Meanwhile, 15-year-old Flavio De Sousa also remains in contention after receiving a bye into the second qualifying round, ensuring four unranked Brazilian players are still chasing places in the main draw.

The challenge now becomes significantly tougher. Santos is set to face fifth seed Yiu Kwan To, Panini will meet third seed Angel Naranjo, while Paiva takes on fourth seed Emanuel Otalvaro as they bid to continue their impressive runs on home soil.

Unranked Brazilians Keep Main Draw Dreams Alive at WTT São José dos Campos

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