Like Rio de Janeiro last week, the ATP Santiago semifinal line-up consists of three Argentinians and one European. Sebastian Baez faces Camilo Ugo Carabelli again, while Francisco Cerundolo and Laslo Djere were in the final four in Buenos Aires the week before that (both lost to Joao Fonseca). Baez is still on track to defend his back-to-back titles from 2024. Who do you think will make the final?
ATP Santiago Semifinal Predictions
Francisco Cerundolo vs Laslo Djere
Head-to-head: Djere 1-0
Laslo Djere is back, and after the semifinals in Buenos Aires, he’s also into the semifinals in Santiago. He also defeated Francisco Cerundolo in their only meeting (Buenos Aires in 2020), but a lot of time has passed since then, and now it’s the Argentinian who’s way closer to reaching the peak of his abilities. Altitude conditions can provide Djere with some curveball, and while possessing significant weight from shots off both wings, he should be able to control his strokes better. This could be a real moment for the Serbian to announce that his issues from the past year or so are way behind him.
Prediction: Djere in 3
Sebastian Baez vs Camilo Ugo Carabelli
Head-to-head: Baez 5-2
Sebastian Baez and Camilo Ugo Carabelli are meeting for the third time in as many weeks. Baez is trying to complete the Rio de Janeiro + Santiago double again. While he was close to elimination against Francisco Comesana, there’s still not much to suggest he can’t pull that off. He defeated Ugo Carabelli 6-4 6-4 in the opening round in Buenos Aires, then 3-6 6-1 6-1 in the Rio semifinals. Both players have been at the forefront of this year’s Golden Swing, but one is just that class ahead and can create much more on the offense. Baez will be favored to come through again.
Prediction: Baez in 2
Main Photo Credit: Robert Deutsch – USA TODAY Sports
