This week’s ATP 250 event has a predictably weak field on paper given its place on the schedule and the fact it is competing with two ATP 500 events in the same week in Dubai and Acapulco, but it still features a lot of clay specialists, all of whom will be looking to seize this rare opportunity to go on a deep run or even win a title at ATP level.

ATP Santiago Day 2 Predictions
Matias Soto vs Vilius Gaubas

Head-to-head: first meeting

Gaubas has been playing well this year. He should reach Top 100 very soon and has, on paper, the kindest draw he could ask for here. Soto might be playing at home, but at #316 in the ATP rankings he’s clearly out of his depth at this level. Under normal circumstances, even if Soto puts up a bit of a fight spurred on by the home crowd, Gaubas should advance with relative ease.
Prediction: Gaubas in 2

Francesco Passaro vs Adolfo Daniel Vallejo

Head-to-head: first meeting

A typical ATP 250 clash between two players outside the Top 100 who make their living on the back of their clay results. As such, this has the potential to be a very long grind, with very long games and sets. It’s a rare opportunity for both players to make a run at ATP level and it should come down to whoever holds their nerve and executes better on the big points.
Prediction: Vallejo in 3

Alejandro Tabilo vs Tomas Barrios Vera

Head-to-head: Barrios Vera 2-1 Tabilo

Tabilo came tantalizingly close to his biggest ever career title last week in Rio, but now he has to immediately reset and focus on his home tournament. It’s certainly a tournament he wants to win in his career and he came very close already in 2024 (losing the final to Sebastian Baez); given his form right now, this might be the year to do it, but a first round against his countryman won’t be an easy one.
Prediction: Tabilo in 3

Mariano Navone vs Vit Kopriva

Head-to-head: first meeting

Kopriva is having an excellent clay season and even came incredibly close to reaching the final last week in Rio. Navone, on the other hand, has been playing below his usual level and this is his last opportunity to make a run on South American clay this year. It should be a very close affair, but form and momentum seem to be on Kopriva’s side right now.
Prediction: Kopriva in 3

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images