RIO DE JANEIRO, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Argentine eighth seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry clinched his first ATP title on Sunday with a 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 win over Chilean Alejandro Tabilo in the Rio Open final.

Etcheverry hit 14 aces and won 14 of 17 points at the net to prevail in three hours and four minutes on the outdoor clay of the Jockey Club Brasileiro.

Tabilo won more points overall but was outplayed in key moments, converting just three of nine break-point opportunities.

It was a marathon day for both players after heavy rain and extreme heat forced organizers to schedule the semifinals on Sunday morning.

"It's a dream come true. I've been chasing my first title for Ben a long time," said Etcheverry, who had previously lost all three finals he had reached on the tour.

"I've been working so hard with my team. This is the happiest day of my life. I can't believe it," he added.

The 26-year-old became the third Argentine champion at the ATP 500 event, joining Diego Schwartzman (2018) and Sebastian Baez (2024 and 2025).

The result means Etcheverry will rise 18 places in the rankings on Monday to No. 33 while Tabilo jumps 26 spots to No. 42. ■