Facundo Diaz Acosta vs Sebastian Baez Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Rio Open

Prediction published on 21/02/2024, 09:33  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 21/02/2024 at 10:33 in Tennis Predictions

Fifth seed Sebastian Baez doesn't have any seeded players between him and the Rio Open semi-finals. He takes on fellow Argentininan unseeded Facundo Diaz Acosta in the last 16 of this clay court tournament. In the quarter finals, the winner of this match will face either wild card Thiago Monteiro or qualifier Felipe Melegini Alves. Baez was in the same quarter of the draw as top seed Carlos Alcaraz but he had to retire from his first round match. He was ranked 30th when this tournament began and is up two places in the live rankings. The 23-year-old has won seven of his 12 matches this year and is 5-2 on clay. He reached the last four in Cordoba and beat Acosta in the quarter finals. Last week saw him get to the last eight in Buenos Aires and in the first round in Rio, he beat Corentin Moutet in straight sets.

Acosta trails Baez 3-1 in previous meetings, all played on clay. His only win was in an M25 event played four years ago. The Argentinian was ranked 59th when this tournament started and is now a career high 52nd. A win over Baez will see him in the top 50 for the first time in his career. He's in good form and won the title in Buenos Aires last week, winning five matches and not losing a single set. A last eight in Cordoba was also reached. He beat Stan Wawrinka in straight sets to reach this second round. Both players are in good form and we believe Baez can get the win.