We are down to the final eight at ATP Buenos Aires, with four of the top six seeds finding their way to the quarterfinals. Defending champion Carlos Alcaraz headlines play on Friday with a quarterfinal bout against Andrea Vavassori, but the whole day should be packed with entertaining tennis. As always, we at LWOT have the preview and prediction for all the action around the grounds of Buenos Aires. But who do you think will advance to the semis?
ATP Buenos Aires Quarterfinal Predictions
Nicolas Jarry vs Tomas Martin Etcheverry
Head-to-Head: Jarry 1-3 Etcheverry
This has the makings of a tremendous match between two of the top-ranked South American players in the world. Both men rely on big serves and bruising forehands to win points, so expect fireworks early and often. Jarry got the best of the Argentine 6-7 7-6 6-2 in the Santiago final last year, and I expect another very tight match. I’ll give the slight edge to Etcheverry, who has looked terrific at the start of the season and only dropped eight games in his first two matches in Buenos Aires.
Prediction: Etcheverry in 3
Dusan Lajovic vs Facundo Diaz Acosta
Head-to-Head: first meeting
I don’t know what it is about the Golden Triangle, but Dusan Lajovic always plays well during it. The 33-year-old Serb beat Arthur Fils and Alejandro Tabilo to open his week at ATP Buenos Aires. It is the first time he has won back-to-back matches on tour since early October. 23-year-old Facundo Diaz Acosta received a wildcard entry into the main draw and has gone on to best Daniel Altmaier and Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets to reach the quarterfinals. This should be a grinding, back-and-forth match with each guy digging their heels in the back of the court. I’ll give the slight edge to Diaz Acosta playing in front of the home crowd.
Prediction: Diaz Acosta in 3
Sebastian Baez vs Federico Coria
Head-to-Head: Baez 1-1 Coria
Countrymen Sebastian Baez and Federico Coria square off with a spot in the ATP Buenos Aires semifinals on the line. Coria, who has never won more than 16 ATP matches in a season, already has five this season, including wins over Sebastian Ofner and Cameron Norrie this week. The 31-year-old always plays well on the clay and is coming off a run to the Cordoba semis. Baez avenged a loss to Luciano Darderi this week and seems to be gaining confidence after a tough end to the 2023 season. This should be a tight match, but I like Baez’s ability to turn his defense into offense and finish points with his forehand.
Prediction: Baez in 3
Carlos Alcaraz vs Andrea Vavassori
Head-to-Head: first meeting
Playing his second event of the year, Carlos Alcaraz started his ATP Buenos Aires title defense with a 6-2 7-5 win over Camilo Ugo Carabelli. The Spaniard looked comfortable in his first clay match in over eight months and has always played well during the Golden Triangle swing. Andrea Vavassori advanced through qualifying this week and has won four matches without dropping a set. The 28-year-old has played the best tennis of his career over the last 12 months but is still far outside the top 100. Alcaraz should curb his Buenos Aires run in straight sets.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane – USA TODAY Sports
