It’s been an unpredictable week at the ATP Rio Open so far. Last week’s Buenos Aires finalists, Nicolas Jarry and Facundo Diaz Acosta, have both been knocked out and there are five unseeded players making up the quarterfinals. As always at LWOT, we are offering our predictions for every match on the slate, as well today’s action in Doha and Los Cabos. But who will book their place in the semifinals?
Rio Open Quarterfinal Predictions
Francisco Cerundolo vs Dusan Lajovic
Head-to-head: Lajovic 1-0 Cerundolo
It’s been a fairly rough spell for both players. All it takes is one good tournament to turn around one’s fortunes, however, so both Dusan Lajovic and Francisco Cerundolo will be extremely keen to earn a spot in a much-needed semifinal of an ATP tournament. It’ll be very close but Cerundolo’s power should give him the slightest edge. Expect both players to leave it all out there in a closely contested quarterfinal.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Sebastian Baez vs Thiago Monteiro
Head-to-head: 3-1
Thiago Monteiro may be the beneficiary of Alcaraz’ unfortunate injury but he’s not to be underestimated on this surface. He’s as solid as they come and, backed by the home crowd, will be well up for the fight here. Sebastian Baez is built different from the back of the court, however, with the Golden Swing quickly becoming a happy hunting ground for the Argentinian. Even against a very solid player like Monteiro, Baez should be able to find that little bit extra in the majority of the extended rallies.
Prediction: Baez in 2
Joao Fonseca vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-head: Fonseca 1-0 Navone
Confident wins over Arthur Fils and Cristian Garin at only 17 years old? Joao Fonseca is the real deal. His compatriots may also draw on the home crowd but there really seems to be a big advantage for an up and coming player backed by a Latin America crowd. Despite the fact Mariano Navone is a multiple Challenger winner, we can’t shake the feeling Fonseca is going to take this opportunity by the scruff of the neck.
Prediction: Fonseca in 3
Cameron Norrie vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Head-to-head: first meeting
It’s never straightforward with Thiago Seyboth Wild. Even returning to the clay for the Golden Swing, he’s only just earned his first top 100 win this week since beating Medvedev at the French Open. There’s just too many errant shots from the Brazilian’s racket to trust him in this match up against the defending champion. Cameron Norrie looked very sharp in dismantling Marcelo Barrios Vera and will know exactly how to disrupt the home hope’s huge forehand.
Prediction: Norrie in 2
Main photo credit: Jeff Romance/PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK
