Day 2 in Buenos Aires features eight singles matches. The matches previewed below are highlighted by Spanish veterans Fernando Verdasco and Albert Ramos Vinolas, and local up-and-comer Juan Ignacio Londero. 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 have predictions for the other Day 2 matches..
ATP Buenos Aires Day 2 Predictions
Fernando Verdasco vs Pedro Martinez
Head to head: first meeting
This could potentially be a changing of the guard for Spanish players with the young upstart Martinez looking to top 34-year-old Verdasco. Martinez has shown promise, qualifying both of the last two weeks, and winning his first round match in Cordoba. He has not played many big name matches yet though. Verdasco has not been in his best form but is a really solid baseline player and will be too tough to beat for Martinez right now.
Prediction: Verdasco in 3
Filip Horansky vs Juan Ignacio Londero
Head to head: first meeting
Horansky is unknown to many due to his low ranking and his time spent almost fully on the Challenger Tour. He has had some success in clay Challengers, but has not won a main draw match at the ATP level since May of 2018. Londero came into Cordoba last week on a losing streak but found his form on clay and in his home country. Back playing in front of home fans, he will be in good shape, especially on clay which is a great fit for his grinding game. Londero is the better player by a good margin and wins in straights.
Prediction: Londero in 2
Laslo Djere vs Francisco Cerundolo
Head to head: first meeting
Djere is coming off his best result since July of last year with a run to the semifinal in Cordoba. Cerundolo has also had recent success, winning the Los Angeles Futures even in January. Djere looks like he will be a serious threat on clay if he can make his serves and minimize unforced errors. The Serbian is a good player and seems to have made improvements in his game that are showing on the clay, and just about the only thing Cerundolo has going for him is playing in his home country. Djere should have no problem at all.
Prediction: Djere in 2
Leonardo Mayer vs Albert Ramos-Vinolas
Head to head: 4-4
The two veterans have both had solid careers, highlighted by their performance on clay shown by the eight head-to-head meetings, all on the surface. Mayer holds the edge recently, winning their two most recent matches in Hamburg. The winner here will be determined by form of the two players. Mayer has lost his last four matches and has not defeated a top 100 player since July of last year. Ramos has been more solid, making two quarterfinals including last week on clay. Ramos sometime struggles to get the most out of his game, but he should make enough balls to win comfortably.
Prediction: Ramos-Vinolas in 2
Main Photo from Getty.
