This week’s ATP 250 event in Santiago doesn’t feature a very strong field on paper, but a lot of clay specialists are playing and it should be a great week of tennis with many players who like the surface fighting it out for a rare chance of an ATP title while the top players are away in Dubai and Acapulco playing ATP 500 tournaments.

ATP Santiago Day 1 Predictions
Dusan Lajovic vs Yannick Hanfmann

Head-to-head: Hanfmann 2-0 Lajovic

Lajovic is always a tough customer on clay, but at this point in their respective careers Hanfmann is the better player of the two and should have the advantage in this matchup. Besides, he seems to like this matchup going by past encounters. While it should be a close match, it is fair to say Hanfmann is at least a slight favorite going in.

Prediction: Hanfmann in 3

Andrea Pellegrino vs Alex Barrena

Head-to-head: first meeting

#140 vs #180 is the kind of matchup that wouldn’t be out of place in the first round of a Challenger event, but as it stands it is a great chance for both players to score a win at ATP level. It will mostly come down to whoever manages to hold their nerve better and take their chance in the key points, thus seizing this opportunity.

Prediction: Barrena in 3

Francisco Comesana vs Pedro Martinez

Head-to-head: Comesana 1-0 Martinez

A classic matchup between two clay specialists who have built their careers on small clay events. While Martinez is a seasoned veteran, a former champion of this event (2022) and can never be discounted at this kind of events, at this point Comesana is the better player. He lost early in Buenos Aires and Rio, but tough draws played a significant role in that. He has a great chance to finally get a run going here.

Prediction: Comesana in 3

Nicolas Jarry vs Dino Prizmic

Head-to-head: first meeting

Jarry is a former champion at his home event (2023), but his top 20 days seem to be long behind him. He comes into this tournament on a nine match losing streak dating back to Wimbledon 2025 and he faces a rising youngster in the first round here. While the home support might give Jarry some boost, Prizmic is clearly the favorite here.

Prediction: Prizmic in 3

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports