Matteo Berrettini’s stint on the South American clay continues on Day 2 in Rio. Last week’s Argentina Open Runner-up, Luciano Darderi, will also begin his campaign on Tuesday. The other seven matches on the slate, including Joao Fonseca vs Thiago Monteiro and Francisco Cerundolo vs Mariano Navone, are predicted in separate articles. But who will advance?

ATP Rio Day 2 Predictions
Vilius Gaubas vs Luis Queiroz Miguel

Head-to-head: First meeting

Both players probably view this as a good draw. Gaubas gets to play a 16-year-old ranked outside the Top 1000, while a man who has never reached a Grand Slam main draw is likely one of the better matchups Miguel could have received. Despite the teenager’s undoubted talent and good results on the junior circuit, Gaubas should triumph. This will be Miguel’s first ATP singles main draw match, and adapting to that level, even with a home crowd behind him, promises to be challenging.

Prediction: Gaubas in 2

Luciano Darderi vs Juan Manuel Cerundolo

Head-to-head: Darderi 1-0 Cerundolo

Cerundolo’s clay-court ability should not be underestimated. He was last year’s runner-up in Gstaad, and 16 of his 17 finals at Challenger Tour level and above have come on the dirt. Nonetheless, Darderi is more talented and will certainly triumph if he plays near his best. Cerundolo has the potential to take advantage if Darderi struggles for motivation after losing the final in Buenos Aires, but I doubt that will happen.

Prediction: Darderi in 3

Matteo Berrettini vs Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera

Head-to-head: First meeting

Berrettini could not find his best tennis at the Argentina Open, losing in the round of 16 to Vit Kopriva. It is common for players who have not consistently played the South American swing to struggle at their opening event. Expect a better level from the Italian in this matchup. He faces a reasonable test against an opponent who plays a lot on clay, but who is not in the former Wimbledon runner-up’s class. Berrettini should win.

Prediction: Berrettini in 2

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey – USA TODAY Sports