Isner, Sock, Bellucci View Rio From The Skies

Top Americans John Isner and Jack Sock took in the magnificent views of Rio de Janeiro from the sky on Saturday evening as they were treated to a helicopter tour by Brazil’s Thomaz Bellucci ahead of the Rio Open presented by Claro.

The trio flew over a number of iconic landmarks, including the statue of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain and the Olympic Park, which will host the Summer Olympics in 2016.

As they flew over Christ the Redeemer, the players caught a glimpse of Italian Fabio Fognini, who was on top of the statue taking a selfie in a separate tournament PR activity.

“It was amazing,” said Isner. “From the ground you know how beautiful Rio is, and it’s even more beautiful from up in the clouds. It was an amazing experience for me. It was my first time in a helicopter. There’s no better way to experience that than flying over Rio. Everything was amazing, but flying over Christ the Redeemer was spectacular. It’s a once in a lifetime thing, so I’m very happy I was able to do it.

“I’m excited to get going,” continued the American, who is set to make his debut at this ATP World Tour 500 clay-court tournament. “I’ve never been here before, so I’m very happy to be down here. I’m in a great mood and enjoying life. Win or lose, I’m going to have a good time out here.”

Home favourite and eighth seed Bellucci added, “It’s the first time I’ve seen Rio from the skies. I hope John and Jack enjoyed it. The views were very nice. It was fantastic to see the tourist points of Rio from the skies. I enjoyed it a lot.

“It’s amazing to come back every year and play at home,” continued the left-hander, who recently finished runner-up to Victor Estrella Burgos in Quito. “I like playing here. The crowd is always very nice to me. I hope to have a good week and play well. I’m pretty confident. I had a good week in Ecuador. I’ve been practising a lot. I hope to have another good result this week. It would be very special for me to have a good week here in Rio.”

The 23-year-old Sock, who will open his campaign against Federico Delbonis, said, “I’ve never been in a helicopter. You hear about all the amazing sights here and views. To be above it all and looking down on the city, over Christ the Redeemer and all the beaches, it’s absolutely incredible. The pictures I’ve got don’t do it justice, but it was definitely a lot of fun.

“I’m coming off a month-long illness. I came down with a few different symptoms in Auckland and it lasted for a while. Coming back off that, I feel pretty good. I’m happy to be on the clay, my favourite surface. Hopefully I can get some matches in and get my feet wet.”