The Movistar Chile Open kicks off with four singles main draw matches on Monday. Former champions Thiago Seyboth Wild (2020) and Cristian Garin (2021) will be among those taking the court. Who do you think will advance to the next stage of the event at ATP Santiago?
ATP Santiago Day 1 Predictions
Yannick Hanfmann vs Facundo Diaz Acosta
Head-to-head: Hanfmann 2-1
Yannick Hanfmann is an altitude clay expert, but his form right now doesn’t suggest this will be a massive event for him. Facundo Diaz Acosta could use a run right now even more, especially after dropping his Buenos Aires points. That said, the Argentinian was a bit unlucky to lose tight battles with Thiago Seyboth Wild and Thiago Monteiro this Golden Swing. All things considered, I’ll lean Diaz Acosta despite Hanfmann’s kick serve being such an outrageous weapon on these courts.
Prediction: Diaz Acosta in 3
Ignacio Buse vs Laslo Djere
Head-to-head: Djere 1-0
Laslo Djere is slowly but surely rising the rankings again and he showed in Buenos Aires that his level is worthy of the Top 100 already. Unfortunately, due to his run, he wasn’t able to play the qualifying in Rio de Janeiro. But he should be a threat in Santiago, and it’s a good opening-round draw. Ignacio Buse’s pro career isn’t quite as good as his junior achievements yet and it will take a couple of years of development for the Peruvian to be a threat at this level.
Prediction: Djere in 2
Gustavo Heide vs Thiago Seyboth Wild
Head-to-head: First meeting
It was this very event where Thiago Seyboth Wild had his breakthrough in 2020, winning the title a bit out of nowhere. Years later he’s finally inside the Top 100, but still not performing at his best level consistently. His peak game is undeniably stronger in this all-Brazilian battle and it’s his level that will dictate the proceedings. Gustavo Heide can be fairly dangerous but is also a nightmare to predict, with upset wins mixed up with surprising exits. Decent opportunity for Seyboth Wild to get something going?
Prediction: Seyboth Wild in 3
Cristian Garin vs Juan Pablo Ficovich
Head-to-head: Garin 1-0
The last few years have featured a massive downfall in Cristian Garin’s career, especially as his body keeps breaking down. He won this event just four years ago and has been showing glimpses of improving level recently. You’d like to think he will be dangerous at this tournament again, but he’s gotta be careful here against an altitude expert in Juan Pablo Ficovich. The quality gap should turn out to be too big, however the Argentinian tends to wake up for events in such conditions and has already advanced through the qualifying here.
Prediction: Garin in 3
Main Photo Credit: Jerry Lai – USA TODAY Sports
