All eyes will be on Rafael Nadal this week as the defending champion returns to Buenos Aires followinghis early exit at the Australian Open. No. 1-seed Nadal and the other three top seeds—David Ferrer, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, John Isner—all have first round byes. Nadal could play Juan Monaco, who is playing in his first ATP tour event since last August in Kitzbuehel after having right wrist surgery.
Dominic Thiem, Nicolas Almagro reach Argentina Open quarters
Fifth-seeded Dominic Thiem of Austria reached his second quarterfinals of the young season when he defeated qualifier Gastao Elias of Portugal 3-6, 7-6 (7), 6-3 in the Argentina Open on Wednesday.
Thiem, who at age 22 is the youngest player in the top 20, prevented Elias from making his first career ATP quarters.
In another second-round match in the clay-court tournament, 2011 championNicolas Almagro of Spain beat Federico Delbonis 6-3, 4-6, 6-4, his third win over the local hope after 2012 and '13.
Rafael Nadal defeats Paolo Lorenzi in straight sets in Argentina
Defending champion Rafael Nadal has reached the semifinals of the Argentina Open with a 7-6 (3), 6-2 victory over Paolo Lorenzi of Italy on clay in the Argentine capital.