Sebastian Baez vs Francisco Cerundolo Prediction & Betting Tips - ATP Rio Open

Prediction published on 24/02/2024, 04:00  by Steve Ashfield | Modified on 24/02/2024 at 05:00 in Tennis Predictions

Fifth seed Sebastian Baez takes on fourth seeded Francisco Cerundolo for a place in the final of the Rio Open. For the winner there's a final against either defending champion Cameron Norrie (seeded second) or qualifier Mariano Novano. Baez was ranked 30th when this outdoor clay court tournament got underway. His run to this semi-final has seen him rise to a career high equalling 25th and a win over Cerundolo will take him up another couple of places, The 23-year old has been in excellent form on clay this year. Eight out of ten matches have been won and this is his second semi-final  following getting to the last four in Cordoba. This tournament has seen the Argentinian drop just one set on his way to this semi-final. That was in the last eight when losing the middle one to Thiago Monteiro. He's had four previous matches against Cerundolo. They are 2-2 with Baez winning two of the last three. The most recent match was two years ago with Cerundolo winning that one. 

This is an all-Argentinian clash and Francisco Cerundolo was 22nd when this Rio Open got underway. He's up to 20th in the live rankings and can go up another place if beating Baez. He hasn't had such a good year as his opponent. He'd lost four of his last five matches before arriving in Rio.  Both of his matches in clay court singles tournaments had ended in defeat. His form has improved this week but he's dropped two sets to date. He lost the middle one against qualifer Francisco Comesana in round one and then had to come from behind to get past Dusan Lajovic in his quarter final. We tip Baez to reach the final.