Francisco Cerundolo vs Dušan Lajović Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Rio Open

Prediction published on 22/02/2024, 16:00  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 22/02/2024 at 17:00 in Tennis Predictions

Dusan Lajovic bids to beat another seed in the Rio Open. He takes on the fourth seed Francisco Cerundolo in the last eight of this outdoor clay court tournament. The only other seeded player in the top half of the draw is fifth seed Sebastian Baez. Lajovic has risen from 58th to 55th in the live rankings. It’s not a big climb up the ladder as Lajovic is defending the points he earned by reaching the last eight here in 2023. The 23-year-old caused a shock in the last round when beating sixth seed Laslo Djere in straight sets. That followed a tough first round match against Daniel Elahi Galan after losing the first set. He’s had one previous match against Cerundolo and won that last August but on a hard court.

Francisco Cerundolo has only won three of his eight matches this year but is 2-2 on clay. The Argentinian only reached the second round in Buenos Aires. He lost in straight sets to eventual champion Facundo Diaz Acosta and didn’t win a game in the second set. This week has gone better for the world number 22 (21st in the live rankings) with two wins. He also had to go to three sets in the first round as he beat qualifier Francesco Comesana. This could be a close match but Lajovic looks to be in the better form at present and we tip him to win.