The semifinals at the ATP 250 event in Cordoba will feature three Argentine players and Luciano Darderi, the world No. 136, who will be playing his first-ever semifinal at the ATP level. Baez is the favorite to win the title as the only player left in the draw who’s ever lifted trophies (4) at the ATP level, but the other three will surely believe their chances to go all the way this week and win a first-ever career title. Who do you think will advance to the final on Sunday?
ATP Cordoba Semifinal Predictions
Facundo Bagnis vs Federico Coria
Head-to-head: Bagnis 3-2 Coria
Bagnis’s best days seemed to be well behind him, but the truth is he has a decent chance of reaching the peak of his career this weekend if he wins the title here. He has been in great shape this week, winning all ten sets he has played in Cordoba, including qualifying. He also holds a 3-2 head-to-head lead over Coria, with all five matches having been played on clay. Coria, however, is also looking to win a first career title, and he was very close to achieving it at this very tournament last year, where he lost the final to Baez. It should be a very close match, which could genuinely go either way and is likely to be a long three-setter.
Prediction: Bagnis in 3
Luciano Darderi vs Sebastian Baez
Head-to-head: Baez 1-0 Darderi
Their previous meeting was at this very tournament last year in the last 16, with Baez winning in routine fashion en route to the title. 12 months later, Baez’s ranking has risen considerably, and he has become a real force at the ATP 250 level (3 titles last year, 4 titles, and 2 finals overall) despite his lack of success in bigger events. Darderi has been playing well and will surely reach the top 100 soon, but it will be very hard to defeat a Baez who is playing at home on his favorite surface.
Prediction: Baez in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY Sports
