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The Argentina Open will crown a local champion for the first time in 13 years after favorite Diego Schwartzman defeated Miomir Kecmanovic 6-0, 6-4 in the semi-finals on Saturday.
The Buenos Aires native will face compatriot Francisco Cerundolo as he seeks his first ATP Tour title at home. For his third final in Argentina, Schwartzman will aim to improve on his previous finalists in Buenos Aires in 2019 and Cordoba in 2020.
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Schwartzman was almost untouchable in a shutout first set against third seed Kecmanovic, who recently added Argentine great David Nalbandian to his coaching staff. Schwartzman gave up just nine points and won 91% of his first serve points (10/11) in the first set, and his aggressive returns kept Kecmanovic under constant pressure.
The Serbian had more chances in the second set, and he fought to extend his stay in the game after Schwartzman took the lead at 3-2. Kecmanovic saved four break points – including a pair of 5-3 match points – but Schwartzman remained strong and never gave up his serve as he sealed his return to the Buenos Aires final.
Schwartzman has yet to drop a set this week in his hometown. The FedEx ATP world No.9 served four aces and converted four of his 12 break points against Kecmanovic en route to victory in one hour and 22 minutes.
Did you know… Despite at least one Argentine semi-finalist since 2017, there had been no home champion in Buenos Aires since 2008 when Nalbandian beat compatriot Jose Acasuso.
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