On paper, this week\u2019s ATP 500 event in Rio might well turn out to be the weakest ATP 500 event of the year, with no Top 15 players in the draw and #19 Francisco Cerundolo the highest seed. That means it will be a great opportunity for less decorated players to have a great week and perhaps even secure the biggest title of their careers, which should ensure that everyone will be trying their absolute best this week.<\/p>\n
ATP Rio de Janeiro Day 1 Predictions
\nGustavo Heide vs Vit Kopriva<\/p>\n
Head-to-head: Kopriva 1-0 Heide<\/p>\n
The match shouldn\u2019t be as one-sided as the rankings would suggest, but in any case Kopriva should have quite a clear advantage over the Brazilian wildcard. Heide has had some success at Challenger level but he is yet to prove himself at the ATP level, while Kopriva has at least proved himself as a top 100 player and he should be able to come through here.
Prediction: Kopriva in 3<\/p>\n
Igor Marcondes vs Ignacio Buse<\/p>\n
Head-to-head: first meeting<\/p>\n
Marcondes had a very nice run through qualifying, and it is already a success for him to have reached the main draw, but as the #350 player in the world he is clearly out of his depth at this level. Buse has slowly been making progress, reaching the Top 100 and should have a great opportunity to make a good run here.
Prediction: Buse in 2<\/p>\n
Alejandro Tabilo vs Emilio Nava<\/p>\n
Head-to-head: first meeting<\/p>\n