Gustavo Kuerten was the defending champion but lost in the semifinals to Rainer Schüttler.
Sjeng Schalken won in the final 6–2, 6–4 against Rainer Schüttler.
Seeds
Rainer Schüttler (final) Sjeng Schalken (champion) Gustavo Kuerten (semifinals) Fernando González (first round) Vince Spadea (quarterfinals) Juan Ignacio Chela (second round) Flávio Saretta (second round) Kenneth Carlsen (quarterfinals)
Draw
Finals
Top half
Bottom half
External links 2003 Brasil Open draw 2003 Brasil Open qualifying draw