The Cerundolo brothers will go head-to-head in front of their home crowd in Buenos Aires as second-round competition gets underway on Wednesday. Sebastian Baez and Thiago Seyboth Wild are also taking the court.

Juan Manuel Cerundolo vs. (5) Francisco Cerundolo

It will be Cerundolo vs. Cerundolo in round two of the Argentina Open on Wednesday night. Surprisingly, the brothers have squared off only once in their professional careers–and that was on the Challenger circuit. Francisco won a 2021 showdown in Campinas via a 6-1, 7-5 decision.

On paper, Francisco is the obvious favorite. He comes in at No. 28 in the world, 111 spots ahead of his younger sibling (23 years old compared to 26). Moreover, Juan Manuel needed a whopping three hours and 30 minutes to get past fellow Argentine Roman Andres Burruchaga 7-6(4), 5-7, 7-5 on Tuesday; Francisco cruised past Luciano Darderi–a tougher opponent–6-4, 6-4 in one hour and 41 minutes. Francisco should prevail, but you can’t put a ton of confidence on it given that you never know how each brother will handle the mental side of this matchup.

Pick: F. Cerundolo in 2

(6) Sebastian Baez vs. Thiago Seyboth Wild

The Argentine faithful won’t be undecided in the night-session match on Estadio 2; their full support will go to Baez. Five of Baez’s six ATP titles have come on clay, including three on the Golden Swing (he also has two runner-up finishes, one on the Golden Swing). This is generally the world No. 31’s favorite time of year, and he once again looked good in a 6-4, 6-4 victory over fellow Argentine Camilo Ugo Carabelli in round one.

Up next for Baez is a second meeting with Seyboth Wild, who lost their only previous encounter 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 at a clay-court Challenger tournament in Turin two years ago. Seyboth Wild opened in Buenos Aires by beating Facundo Diaz Acosta 3-6, 6-2, 6-3, marking the 77th-ranked Brazilian’s first win at any level this season. Baez should have the edge in this one, especially with home-court advantage.

Pick: Baez in 3