Overview
- Venezuelan Luis David Martínez and Colombian Cristian Rodríguez remain in police custody in Itajaí after accusations stemming from a doubles quarterfinal on January 22.
- Tournament broadcast footage showed Martínez making monkey gestures toward the stands, and separate videos captured Rodríguez insulting a ballboy by calling him “macaco,” according to local reports.
- Police located the players at their hotel; Martínez was arrested first, and Rodríguez was detained later after the victim and a witness expanded the complaint at the station.
- Officials cited Brazil’s Law No. 7.716/89 in opening the case, a statute that treats racial insults as crimes carrying possible prison time and fines.
- Event organizers condemned the conduct and requested immediate police intervention, and tennis authorities could weigh independent disciplinary action as the legal process continues.