Top seed and defending champion Nicolas Jarry kicks off his campaign on Day 3 of the ATP 250 in Santiago, which also happens to be his hometown. In the second round he’ll get to play Federico Coria, whom he owns a 3-0 record against. Meanwhile, Arthur Fils will be trying to save his Golden Swing campaign, which has gone pretty much as poorly as it could have so far. Who do you think will make the quarterfinals?
ATP Santiago Day 3 Predictions
Thiago Agustin Tirante vs Corentin Moutet
Head-to-head: First meeting
Thiago Agustin Tirante broke the Top 100 this week despite losing in round one of Rio de Janeiro qualifying. The Argentinian has mostly been dangerous in altitude conditions the past few years and the quicker clay in Santiago definitely suits him. It’s going to be an interesting clash against Corentin Moutet, who’s already having his best week of the season so far. The way the court plays could help out Tirante, his serve and forehand combination won’t be easy to contain.
Prediction: Tirante in 3
Facundo Diaz Acosta vs Pedro Martinez
Head-to-head: Martinez 1-0
Facundo Diaz Acosta survived a tough battle against Pedro Cachin in the opening round and while his opponent was on a very long losing streak, he certainly wasn’t playing like it. Particularly with the conditions being so pleasant for his game. Diaz Acosta fought through as he’s just so high on confidence right now after picking up his maiden ATP Tour title in Buenos Aires. Pedro Martinez won this event two years ago but has declined a fair bit since.
Prediction: Diaz Acosta in 2
Thiago Seyboth Wild vs Arthur Fils
Head-to-head: First meeting
Arthur Fils’s decision to play the Golden Swing was at first perceived as exciting, but after the 0-2 start it looks like a straight-up mistake, particularly when you consider how sharp the Frenchman was in the indoor season last year. His performances against Dusan Lajovic anad Joao Fonseca definitely had him running into some high-quality from the opponents, but Fils was also out of sorts. He needs rhythm right now and Thiago Seyboth Wild is one of the worst opponents he could’ve gotten. He’ll need to pray the Brazilian’s deadly FH won’t be on point.
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 3
Nicolas Jarry vs Federico Coria
Head-to-head: Jarry 3-0
It was such an emotional win for Nicolas Jarry in Santiago last year. It’s his hometown and the event is basically run by his family, even the main court is named after his grandfather, former World No. 14 Jaime Fillol. That pressure was getting to him sometimes, but the home crowd pulled him through many tough moments. Now he’s back to give the people what they want, another title. Let’s see how that goes but at altitude the firepower advantage won’t be easy for Federico Coria to neutralize here.
Prediction: Jarry in 2
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
