Argentines stumble at Buenos Aires ATP, Chela achieves finals

By Jorge Sillone, ámbito.com.

The quarter-finals of Buenos Aires ATP 250 resumed its activities after heavy rains in Buenos Aires City had led to the suspension of the tournament. Although most of the Argentines playing at the competition lost to their opponents, Juan Ignacio Chela defeated Wawrinka at the semi-finals and will face Almagro in the finals.

David Nalbandian’s wish of being the champion of the competition has been frustrated. At Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis’ central court, the Argentine player lost 6-4, 6-4 to Spaniard Tommy Robredo.

The match had also been delayed for almost an hour due to the rain.

Nalbandian gave his best but could not break the European who led the match and showed a superior performance. With this victory, the Spaniard achieved the semi-finals of the tournament he won in 2009.

At the Stadium 2, Argentine José Acasuso could not beat the best candidate to win the cup, Spanish player Nicolás Almagro. “Chucho” also lost in two sets, 7-5 and 6-3.

Meanwhile, at the Stadium 3, Juan Mónaco was also eliminated from the Claro Cup after being defeated by the second pre-classified, Swiss Stanislas Wawrinka by 7-5 and 6-3.

The only Argentine that is still on track is Juan Ignacio Chela, who resumed the match against Spanish Albert Montañes, which had been suspended on Friday during the third set. Chela won by 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

The semi-finals began after 7pm. The first match was played by Spaniards Nicolás Almagro and Tommy Robredo, where Almagro defeated his fellow countryman by 7-5, 6-1.

Afterwards, Chela defeated Wawrinka by a double 6-2, leading the only Argentine in the competition to the finals to be played against Almagro on Sunday.