It’s an all-Argentinian final at the 2023 ATP Cordoba Open. Sebastian Baez is trying to find his groove again after a long period of struggle, while Federico Coria will attempt to grab a maiden ATP Tour title. Who do you think will clinch the trophy?
ATP Cordoba Final Predictions
Federico Coria vs Sebastian Baez
Head-to-head: first meeting
Coria is entering this final on a 9-match winning streak, including his recent title at a Challenger in Concepcion. The 30-year-old has developed so much as a player in the past few years and he keeps proving that. While his campaign in Cordoba has included two retirement wins, he’s also done remarkably well to dispatch Albert Ramos-Vinolas and Thiago Monteiro. He’s undoubtedly been the steadiest player so far at the ATP Cordoba Open.
Baez needed a helping hand after a disastrous second half of 2022 and the Cordoba draw was exactly what the doctor ordered. The 22-year-old needed to win three matches to get to the final and neither of them was against a top 100 player. Baez dropped a set to Tomas Barrios Vera, producing some rather uneven displays over the past three days. He is improving with every match though and his most coherent showing came against Hugo Dellien in the final four.
Baez made three ATP finals last year, winning one of them (Estoril). Coria has only appeared at this stage of a tour-level event once, losing to Casper Ruud in Bastad 2021. This is a huge opportunity for the 30-year-old, which could either grant him a boost of motivation or add some unwanted pressure. Overall, he’s been the one who’s produced a better level in the tournament so far.
Baez can win this if his forehand is firing, but it needs to be clean while still very aggressive. Otherwise, Coria will use his mastery of turning defense into offense to withstand his power and eventually find his opening. It should be a fun one, but the older of the Argentinians has simply been more convincing along the way.
Prediction: Coria in 3
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