By Britwatch Team
- Top Seeds: Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, John Isner
- Defending champion: Rafael Nadal
- 6-14 February
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA – Defending champion Rafael Nadal makes his return after crashing out of the Australian Open in the first round.
Britwatch Tennis:
Top Quarter – Rafael Nadal
The long-awaited return of Nadal after his shock first round exit at the Australian Open, and back on more surer ground of clay, as he takes a wildcard and picks up the top seeding in the process. While Nadal assures us that injury is no longer a concern, his confidence appears to be still very much a casualty, yet again prompting suggestions that it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world for he and Uncle Toni to have another voice of counsel.
Expect him to come charging out of the blocks as he meets come spirited opponents in his bracket including former champion Juan Monaco making his comeback after seven months off the circuit with a wrist injury.
Second Quarter – John Isner
Tricky one to call as this bracket is tailed with Dominic Thiem, but experience and a fairly good run of form so far should see him top the quarter. After Fernando Verdasco stunned Nadal in the Australian Open, he fell in the next round to Dudi Sela, but arrives here with a run to the Quito quarter-final and more importantly some time on clay under his feet. He could be Isner’s opening opponent, with the American benefiting from a bye into the second round.
Third Quarter – Jo-Wilfried Tsonga
After finishing in the Top 10 at the end of last year for the sixth time in eight seasons, and a decent start to the year, Tsonga had to pull out of the mixed doubles with Kristina Mladenovic after suffering a back injury in his straight sets loss to Kei Nishikori at the Australian Open.
He is making his debut here, and could well be pushed hard by all manner of clay court experts in his bracket not to mention sixth seed and wildcard Fabio Fognini at the end of the bracket.
Bottom Quarter – David Ferrer
Two-time champion and Australian open quarter-finalist Ferrer will fancy his chances of the title, given Nadal’s potential confidence issues. He too has a strong group of clay courters in his bracket, but he is on a strong run at the moment, and is more than likely to push forward to the finals.
The Argentina Open takes place between 8-14 February.
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