The ATP Rio semifinals feature surprise semifinalists Vit Kopriva and Ignacio Buse in action. It’s an open question which players will advance to a Golden Swing final.
Alejandro Tabilo vs Ignacio Buse
Chilean fans are thrilled by Tabilo’s performance in South America this week. His two previous wins against Ignacio Buse will give him confidence to reach a big final and return to the ATP top 50. Buse can’t be discounted, the newly minted top 100 player from Peru only returned to tour for the Golden Swing. His win over Joao Fonseca in the round of 16 in Rio was the biggest of his career. he’s a true clay court specialist. Tabilo’s peak is higher and he’s had an easier path, but Buse will compete.
Prediction: Tabilo in 2
Tomas Martin Etcheverry vs Vit Kopriva
Etcheverry has advanced to the ATP Rio semifinal this week with a bit of a blessed draw, defeating a qualifier and a lucky loser in consecutive rounds as Jaime Faria was his most recent opponent. Etcheverry was a semifinalist in Buenos Aires and is a surface specialist. Kopriva, from Czechia, has been excellent against South American opponents during the Golden Swing. He reached the quarterfinals in Buenos Aires, and has beaten three consecutive Argentinian opponents to reach the semifinal.
Kopriva is on track for a career year, will his luck continue against Argentinians? Prediction: Kopriva in 3