Only one Argentine is playing in the second round of the ATP 500 in Rio de Janeiro and wants to make a statement. But first, Gael Monfils will try to finish the job on the central court against Marin Cilic. The match was suspended last night due to rain when they were tied 7-7 in the tiebreak of the second set.
However, Nicolás Kicker, who had a great level against Víctor Estrella in his debut in Brazil, will face Fernando Verdasco (who defeated Leonardo Mayer) for a spot in the quarterfinals. There is a precedent in favor of the Spanish player from Houston in 2017.
The defending champion and second seed in this edition, Dominic Thiem, will face Pablo Andújar, who had an emotional moment in the first round. The Spanish player achieved his first ATP victory after more than two years and three elbow surgeries, so he arrives as the underdog in this match.
In addition, the 2017 finalist Pablo Carreño Busta will face the recent runner-up in Buenos Aires, Aljaz Bedene; and in an attractive match like all the ones he animates, Fabio Fognini will play against Tennys Sandgren, quarterfinalist in the last Australian Open.
Matches - 02/22 - Second round
Nicolás Kicker (ARG) vs. Fernando Verdasco (ESP)
Dominic Thiem (AUT) vs. Pablo Andujar (ESP)
Pablo Carreño Busta (ESP) vs. Aljaz Bedene (SLO)
Fabio Fognini (ITA) vs. Tennys Sandgren (USA)
Gastao Elias (POR) vs. Pablo Cuevas (URU)
Postponed:
Gael Monfils (FRA) vs. Marin Cilic (CRO) tied 6-3, 6-6 (7-7)