Day 2 at the ATP Argentina Open in Buenos Aires features eight singles matches. The matches previewed here are highlighted by Cordoba champion Christian Garin back in action as well as defending champion Marco Cecchinato. The draw is very similar to last week’s in Cordoba, with some of the players who lost early hoping to take advantage of tired legs of those who went far. We also predictions for the other Day 2 matches.
ATP Buenos Aires Day 2 Predictions
Marco Cecchinato vs Roberto Carballes Baena
Head to head: 1-0 Cecchinato
Cecchinato is the defending champion here with a big serve and overall game. He plays best on clay, highlighted by his French Open semifinal in 2018, but he has lost his last six tour level matches on the surface. Carballes Baena has a good clay court game, but never quite played consistent enough tennis to stay on the ATP tour. This is a match very winnable by both players, but Cecchinato has played well in challengers and will know the importance of defending points here after slumping for much of 2019.
Prediction: Cecchinato in 3
Andrej Martin vs Facundo Bagnis
Head to head: 2-2
This is a rematch from just two weeks ago at the Punta Del Este Challenger, won by Martin 6-1 6-3. They have played identically schedules the past four weeks, with Martin equaling or bettering the results of Bagnis each tournament. Martin took the first set off eventual champion Christian Garin in the Cordoba semifinal last week. Fatigue may be a factor in this match, with Bagnis having to qualify and playing two three setters in qualifying. This match should go similar to their most recent, with Martin being in better form and moving on to the second round.
Prediction: Martin in 2
Corentin Moutet vs Jozef Kovalik
Head to head: first meeting
Kovalik finished 2019 on a high note, winning the Maia Challenger on clay. Buenos Aires is only the second tournament he has entered this year, after the Australian Open. Moutet has had an excellent start to 2019, making a surprise final in Doha and making the quarterfinal last week in Cordoba. The young Frenchman is currently at his career-high ranking of #70, and his high-energy, spin-heavy game is perfect for clay. With his current form that ranking should rise and he simply has more tools than Kovalik and will win.
Prediction: Moutet in 2
Facundo Diaz Acosta vs Christian Garin
Head to head: first meeting
Note: Garin withdrew prior to the match and was replaced by Lucky Loser Pedro Sousa.
Prediction: Garin in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
