The quarterfinals at the ATP Cordoba Open are set, with six seeds advancing to the final eight. The only two non-seeded players making the quarters are both facing off in the first mach of the day. The rest of the field is stacked, highlighted by #1 seed, local favorite, and favorite to win the title, Diego Schwartzman. His countryman and defending champion Juan Ignacio Londero joins him in the final eight. Fellow South American Christian Garin from Chile poses a big threat to win after capturing two clay court titles last year. Cordoba has not disappointed once again in just its second year as a stop on the ATP tour.
ATP Cordoba Quarterfinal Predictions
Andrej Martin vs Corentin Moutet
Head to head: 1-1
The two lowest ranked players left in the draw match up in a big opportunity for both of them. They split both meetings, with Martin winning the lone encounter on clay, though Moutet was just 18 at the time. Martin is comfortable in Cordoba as a 2018 semifinalist, and although Moutet is probably best on clay, Martin is a true clay court specialist. Moutet is one of the lesser-known “Next-Gen” members, but seems to be ready to make serious noise on the tour. His all around game allowed him to beat top players in Doha to make the final, as well as #2 seed Guido Pella this week, and his return game will keep every player on his heels. He will wear down Martin and reach his second semifinal of the young season.
Prediction: Moutet in 2
Pablo Cuevas vs Christian Garin
Head to head: 3-0 Garin
The two South Americans met three times last season, with Garin winning all three, only dropping one set. Only one of their matchups was on clay, both players strongest surface, with Garin winning in Houston on the way to his maiden ATP title. Garin came into this week 1-5 on the year, but he seems to have recaptured his excellent clay court form of 2019 with a convincing straight set win in the second round. Cuevas’ game is well suited for the clay, although at 34 he has struggled to maintain the consistency of earlier in his career. Garin is a solid all-around player on clay, is in better overall form, and dominated the head-to-head. This match will be no different with Garin winning to reach his first semifinal since last May.
Prediction: Garin in 2
Laslo Djere vs Juan Ignacio Londero
Head to head: first meeting
Londero is now just three matches away from repeating as champion in Cordoba. He shocked many by winning the tournament after sneaking in as a wild card. Djere is tall with a strong serve, although he has found his best tennis has come on clay. His three best results last year were all tour-level semifinals on clay courts. The hard court season was not kind to him, coming into this week with a 2-10 record in his last 12 matches. Londero similarly on hard, coming into Cordoba with a six match losing streak. Both players have adjusted well to being on clay, but Londero is simply a better clay court player. Londero is also experienced playing deep into tournaments, making the final in Basel and the fourth round at Roland Garros in addition to his triumph here. He will win a hard-fought battle.
Prediction: Londero in 3
Diego Schwartzman vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas
Head to head: 4-0 Schwartzman
All four of their matchups have come on clay, two of them coming last year, with Schwartzman not only winning all four but not dropping a set. Given his small stature and South American heritage, Schwartzman is surprisingly not a clay court specialist, but has really developed his game on all courts. Ramos is primarily a clay courter, with his best results coming on the surface. He has dealt with a run of inconsistent form over the last few years but is a serious threat to win the tournament at his best. It is telling that the rivalry is so one-sided, with all matches on Ramos’ preferred surface, and that will not change on Friday with Schwarzman winning convincingly again.
Prediction: Schwartzman in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
