The ATP Tour heads to Rio de Janeiro this week for a 500-level event in the second-largest city in Brazil. The Golden Triangle continues at ATP Rio, featuring some of the best players in the world, including No. 4 seed Francisco Cerundolo. The top-ranked Argentine squares off against young compatriot Francisco Comesana in Round 1. We at LWOT have the preview and predictions for all matches in Rio. But who will advance?
ATP Rio Day 1 Predictions
Laslo Djere vs Bernabe Zapata Miralles
Head-to-Head: Djere 1-0 Zapata Miralles
No. 6 seed Laslo Djere is a solid clay-courter but has struggled to start the season. Djere is just 1-4 this season. That said, he has played competitive matches and is due for a breakthrough. Zapata Miralles has also struggled to start the season, notching just two wins in eight matches. Both players thrive on this surface, but I give the slight edge to Djere’s ability to push the pace with his forehand.
Prediction: Djere in 3
Tomas Barrios Vera vs Gustavo Heide
Head-to-Head: Barrios Vera 1-1 Heide
Tomas Barrios Vera is 0-4 to start the season. However, he was ranked inside the top 100 to start the year and had a career-best campaign in 2023. 21-year-old Gustavo Heide received a Wildcard entry into ATP Rio and will have massive backing from the Brazilian crowd. Heide plays well on the clay and has power off each wing. I see Barrios Vera’s consistency winning out in this one.
Prediction: Barrios Vera in 3
Francisco Cerundolo vs Francisco Comesana
Head-to-Head: Cerundolo 1-0 Comesana
Francisco Cerundolo has had a tough start to the 2024 season. He is just 2-6 to start the season, with those two wins coming against players ranked outside the top 250. Comesana advanced through qualifying without dropping a set. Although he looked solid in qualies, I do not think he has the weapons to pressure Cerundolo. The No. 4 seed should roll to the second round of ATP Rio.
Prediction: Cerundolo in 3
Main Photo Credit: David Kirouac – USA TODAY Sports
