We have reached the semifinals of ATP Rio with three Argentines left in the field competing for the 250 title. No. 4 seed Francisco Cerundolo squares off against compatriot Sebastian Baez, and qualifier Mariano Navone takes on No. 2 seed Cameron Norrie. We at LWOT have the preview and prediction for both matches. But who do you think will reach the final?
ATP Rio Semifinal Predictions
Cameron Norrie vs Mariano Navone
Head-to-Head: first meeting
What a week it has been for 22-year-old qualifier Mariano Navone. The young Argentine picked up his first-ever ATP win earlier this week and has reeled off another two for good measure. He has broken into the top 100 for the first time, sitting at a live ranking of world No. 76. Navone is playing with elite confidence. Still, he has never played against someone ranked as high as Cameron Norrie, let alone beat anyone of that caliber. The Argentine will fight, but you have to wonder how much he has left in his legs after already spending nearly ten hours on-court at ATP Rio.
Prediction: Norrie in 2
Francisco Cerundolo vs Sebastian Baez
Head-to-Head: Cerundolo 2-2 Baez
Francisco Cerundolo and Sebastian Baez know each other’s games very well. However, it is their first tour meeting in nearly two years. All three times they’ve squared off since 2021 have produced a competitive encounter. I expect more of the same in this ATP Rio semifinal. Both players have had to battle to get to this point, but Baez has been the more in-form player to start 2024. Expect a heavy baseline battle that could last 3+ hours. Ultimately, I favor Baez’s ability to set up his forehand and dig from the deep corners of the court.
Prediction: Baez in 3
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY Sports
