2020 Rio de Janeiro Open First-Round Tips
Tuesday, February 18 2020
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The 2020 ATP500 Rio de Janeiro Open is here and No.1 seed Dominic Thiem looks to start off with a bang. Who else is playing?
Dominic Thiem vs. Felipe Alves:
Dominic Thiem has high hopes for 2020 and wants to achieve world No.3 status. Thiem wants to win this tournament and unfortunately for Felipe Alves, he won't stand a chance in the first-round. Thiem has played amazingly in 2020, reaching the Australian Open final and nearly winning it. Thiem will come out and win in straight sets.
Pick: Dominic Thiem in Straight Sets
Borna Coric vs. Juan Ignacio Londero
Borna Coric will want to have a much better 2020 season compared to his 2019. Coric used to be one of the most exciting prospects in the game, and due to injury he has not yet fulfilled his potential. Coric needs to work hard as he meets Juan Ignacio Londero in Rio. Londero had a good week in Buenos Aires last week and now looks to maintain his form. However, I see Coric coming out strong after taking time to improve his game and better himself.
Pick: Borna Coric
Marco Cecchinato vs. Dusan Lajovic
Marco Cecchinato used to be one of the best clay-court players, now he is just a shadow of his former self. Cecchinato needs to find his form again and put in the hard work if he wants to stand a chance against an in form Dusan Lajovic. Lajovic has been in great form since the start of 2019, he made his first Masters 1000 Final in Monte-Carlo and he helped Team Serbia win the ATP Cup to begin 2020. Lajovic has more experience and I believe he will come out and dictate play.
Pick: Dusan Lajovic