Intro:

Brazil's Joao Souza in crowd pleasing 6-4, 6-7 (9), 6-4 win against Blaz Rola of Slovenia on Wednesday at the Rio Open.

Script:

Joao Souza received a heroes welcome as he made his way into the arena at the Rio Open on Thursday.

The world number 45 was up against Blaz Rola, the world number 92.

Cheered on by the home crowd the Brazilian eased his way through the first set after an early break of serve.

However, the 24-year-old Rola fought his way back in to the match after taking the second set 7-6.

Souza found form again in the decider and managed to break Rola's serve after he double faulted on match point, much to the delight of the home crowd.

6-4, 6-7, 6-4 it ended, and Souza will now face Andreas Haider-Maurer in the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, David Ferrer made it through his second round match after Thiemo De Bakker retired.