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The action continues at the 2023 Cordoba Open, with the remaining second round matches scheduled for Thursday. Three seeded players have crashed out of the tournament so far—Pedro Cachin, Pedro Martinez, and Bernabe Zapata Miralles.
Most of the Argentine contingent is still in the fray, led by Diego Schwartzman and Francisco Cerundolo. The two will be in action on Thursday, along with defending champion Albert Ramos-Vinolas.
Predictions for all the fixtures lined up for Cordoba Open on February 9
#1 - Cristian Garin vs Joao Sousa
It took him three hours, but Joao Sousa notched up his first win of the year by defeating Tomas Martin Etcheverry in three sets in the opening round. Cristian Garin's results since last year have been quite up and down, but he's a pretty good player on clay.
He knocked out Pedro Martinez in the previous round, dishing out a bagel in the deciding set as well. All five of Garin's titles have come on the red dirt, including the Cordoba Open back in 2020. Like most matches here so far, this one is likely to be a lengthy slugfest, with the Chilean coming out on top.
Prediction: Christian Garin to win in straight sets.
#2 - (6) Federico Coria vs Marco Cecchinato
Last year was rather difficult for Marco Cecchinto as he managed to secure just four wins at the ATP level. With his straight-sets victory over Facundo Bagnis in the first round, he has already managed to win two ATP matches this year.
After losing a closely fought opening set, Federico Coria upped his level to oust Thiago Monteiro in the previous round. The 30-year old's results have been a bit better compared to Cecchinato and as such will be the favorite to emerge victorious.
Prediction: Federico Coria to win in three sets.
#3 - (3) Albert Ramos-Vinolas vs Dusan Lajovic
After a first-round bye, Albert Ramos-Vinolas will kick off his title defense against Dusan Lajovic. He is yet to taste victory this year, going 0-2 to start the season. The Serb kicked off his campaign here with a straight-sets victory over Juan Pablo Varillas. It marked his first win of the season.
While neither player is in scintillating form at the moment, Cordoba has been a good hunting ground for Ramos-Vinolas. In addition to winning the title last year, he was also a finalist in 2021. Expect the Spaniard to rediscover his mojo and kick off his title defense with a win.
Prediction: Albert Ramos-Vinolas to win in three sets.
#4 - (WC) Guido Pella vs (Q) Hugo Dellien
Both players started off with a comfortable straight-sets win in the first round. For Guido Pella, it was also his first victory at the ATP level since October 2021. The Argentine took a hiatus last year and is slowly starting to find his footing once again.
Dellien has a lot more matchplay heading into this encounter. However, Pella is a former top 20 player and has had better results in the past. With some support from the home crowd, he could raise his level even further to oust the Bolivian.
Prediction: Guido Pella to win in three sets.
#5 - (2) Francisco Cerundolo vs (Q) Federico Delbonis
After coming through qualifying, Federico Delbonis staged a herculean effort to record a comeback win against Alejandro Tabilo in the opening round. He also saved three match points in the deciding set.
Francisco Cerundolo made it to the third round in his only tournament of the year so far, which was the Australian Open. As the second seed, he was the recipient of a first-round bye.
His career has been on the rise since last year, having peaked at No. 24 in the rankings so far. The Argentine will be the favored to come through in his clash against Delbonis.
Prediction: Francisco Cerundolo to win in straight sets.
#6 - (1) Diego Schwartzman vs (WC) Juan Manuel Cerundolo
Diego Schwartzman's start to the 2023 season has been quite disappointing. He had to skip the United Cup due to an injury. He was forced to retire midway through his first-round clash at the ASB Classic as well. The 30-year-old lost in the second round of the Australian Open.
Juan Manuel Cerundolo started the year by winning consecutive titles on the Challenger circuit. Up against Pablo Andujar in the first round of the Cordoba Open, he took the opening set and led 1-0 in the second set. Unfortunately, his opponent had to retire, sending him into the next round.
Given Schwartzman's less than stellar start to the season, Cerundolo has a good shot at knocking out the top seed. The latter won the tournament back in 2021, but was unable to defend his title in 2022 due to an injury. This is a match that could go down the distance, but the experienced Schwartzman should be able to advance further.
Prediction: Diego Schwartzman to win in three sets.
