The Dove Men+ Care Open (ATP Santiago) starts Monday with a host of clay court talent beginning again the opportunity for ATP points and perhaps a title. Here is your look at day 1 action.
Facundo Bagnis vs Marco Cecchinato
Bagnis is 2-0 against Cecchinato and the Italian has been struggling. Despite an opening match loss in Buenos Aires, Bagnis has been in good form, reaching the semis in Cordoba as a qualifier. With enough days off to refresh, Bagnis should be the favorite here. Bagnis in 2
Roberto Carballes Baena vs Salvatore Caruso
This is their first career meeting and it’s been a quiet shift to clay for both players. This match is poised to be a battle and it’s a pure coin flip. I’ll give RCB the slightest advantage here. Carballes Baena in 3
Nicolas Jarry vs Frances Tiafoe
Jarry beat Tiafoe at Indian Wells in 2019 and he’s playing at home, despite recent struggles coming off a doping ban that cost him most of 2020, the Chilean has demonstrated his prowess on clay, and could kickstart his season with a win against the American. Tiafoe won a match in Buenos Aires, and should grit this one out, I’m not confident in Jarry’s form until he shows something more after the doping ban. Tiafoe in 3
Leonardo Mayer vs Pedro Sousa
Mayer has never lost to Sousa, and the Portugese player is just 1-3 to start the season. While Mayer is nowhere near the player he was, winning this match on clay against a career journeyman looks like a doable task. Mayer in 2
Daniel Altmaier vs Daniel Elahi Galan
Neither player has been setting the world on fire but Altmaier has shown slightly better form to start the season, including a pair of qualifying wins in Buenos Aires. Both will be looking for a breakthrough to get their seasons to the next level. Altmaier should be the one who gets the job done. Altmaier in 2
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