Argentina Open 2023: Dominic Thiem vs Juan Pablo Varillas preview, head-to-head, prediction, odds and pick
Match Details
Fixture: Dominic Thiem vs Juan Pablo Varillas
Date: February 16, 2023
Tournament: Argentina Open 2023
Round: Second Round (Round of 16)
Venue: Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club, Argentina
Category: ATP 250
Surface: Outdoor Clay
Prize money: $626,595
Live telecast: USA - Tennis Channel | Australia - BeIN Sports | Canada - TSN
Dominic Thiem vs Juan Pablo Varillas prediction
World No. 99 Dominic Thiem will square off against World No. 101 Juan Pablo Varillas in the second round of the Argentina Open on Thursday.
Thiem has been putting in the hard yards to find his best form on the ATP tour over the last few months. He's chalked up 10 wins from 18 matches, including semifinal appearances at the Gijon Open and the European Open in Antwerp. The Austrian also reached the second round of the Vienna Open before bowing out to Daniil Medvedev in straight sets 3-6, 3-6.
He entered the Argentina Open on the back of a five-match losing streak, making early exits at the Adelaide International 1, Australian Open and the Davis Cup qualifiers. However, the 29-year-old finally turned the tides in his favor and began his campaign with a solid win over Alex Molcan in Buenos Aires. He defeated the Slovakian in straight sets 7-6(4), 6-3.
Juan Pablo Varillas, on the other hand, has been grinding it out on the ATP Challenger circuit to compete at the highest level on the main tour. He's garnered 14 wins from the last 19 matches and a title-winning run at the Sao Leopoldo Challenger. The Peruvian also reached the semifinals of the Ambato Challenger and the Guayaquil Challenger.
He entered the Argentina Open on the back of early exits at the Conception Challenger and the Cordoba Open. However, Pablo Varillas has been in exceptional form at the Argentina Open. He recorded solid wins over the likes of Federico Delbonis and Thiago Agustin Tirante in the qualifiers and then outclassed Joao Sousa in straight sets 6-2, 7-5 in the first round.
Dominic Thiem vs Juan Pablo Varillas head-to-head
Thiem leads the head-to-head against Varillas 1-0. He defeated the Peruvian in their most recent encounter at the 2022 Swiss Open in straight sets 6-4, 6-3.
Dominic Thiem vs Juan Pablo Varillas odds
All odds are sourced by BetMGM.
Dominic Thiem vs Juan Pablo Varillas prediction
An unpredictable contest awaits in the second round of the Argentina Open as two players eager to make a statement on the men's tour battle it out for a place in the quarterfinals. While Thiem finally opened his account for the 2023 season, Pablo Varillas continued his rich vein of form in the qualifiers and registered his third win on the trot in the first round.
Thiem served well in his previous tie, winning 72% of his first serve points and saving two out of three break points against Molcan. The Austrian hasn't been in the best of form lately and was up against a tough opponent in the first round, but he managed to grind out a win and gain some much-needed confidence.
His resilient baseline game caused a lot of problems for his opponent. Thiem used his deep and powerful groundstrokes well to stay on the ascendance. Pablo Varillas will look to keep the pressure on Thiem and not allow him to dictate rallies. He'll know that the Austrian is still finding his rhythm and is not the ruthless player he once used to be.
Thiem will be up against a determined opponent who's been showcasing a solid all-round game in the past few weeks. The former US Open champion will be the favorite to win this contest but can't afford to take his opponent lightly.
If Pablo Varillas starts well, it could mean trouble for Dominic Thiem, but considering their results in the past and ability on the clay surface, the latter should be able to follow up his win with a convincing performance in the second round.
Pick: Thiem to win in three sets.