BUENOS AIRES/STARNBERG, October 5, 2024

Home favourites Federico Coria, Francisco Comesana and Juan Bautista Torres will compete this Saturday in the semifinals of the YPF Buenos Aires Challenger, an ATP Challenger Tour 75 tournament organized by Torneos, and being held at the Racket Club in Palermo from September 29 to October 6.

Juan Bautista Torres was the first to secure a spot in the semifinals, continuing his excellent form against his compatriot Camilo Ugo Carabelli. After a perfect first set, winning 6-0, Torres faced a more balanced second set but sealed the victory with a game full of winners. The 22-year-old Buenos Aires native, who entered the main draw via a wildcard, is now in his fourth Challenger semifinal of 2024 and his first on home soil. Reflecting on the match, Torres said, “The first set went perfectly for me, and I was able to counter his game. The second was tough; Camilo is a very physical player and always challenging. I’m thrilled to have advanced.”

Federico Coria, the top seed and last year’s finalist, also advanced. Although it seemed like he would win quickly against Brazil’s Gustavo Heide, Heide fought back to extend the match. In the end, Coria relied on home-crowd support to win and reach his third Buenos Aires Challenger semifinal. Coria acknowledged the fans, saying, “Playing at home brings nerves but also gives you a lot of energy thanks to the crowd’s support. I need to improve my shots for tomorrow against Torres because today’s level won’t be enough.” He also praised the event for affordable ticket prices, allowing packed stadiums throughout the tournament.

Francisco Comesana completed the trio of Argentines in the semifinals after a thrilling match against Juan Pablo Varillas. Despite missing four match points in the second-set tiebreak, Comesaña bounced back to break Varillas twice in the final stages, winning 7-5 in the third set. The Mar del Plata native emphasized the importance of resilience, stating, “What helped me win was not giving up. My team made me believe I could come back. The crowd was incredible; we all deserved to win today.”

Comesana will face Hugo Dellien in the semifinals. The Bolivian broke through to reach his first Buenos Aires Challenger semifinal after five attempts, defeating Jesper de Jong in a match marked by a lively atmosphere and shifting momentum. Dellien remarked, “It was a heated match, but everything stayed respectful. I’m happy to have overcome the tough second set and continue my strong mental performance this week.”

¡Semifinales confirmadas!

Federico Coria vs. Bautista Torres
Francisco Comesaña vs. Hugo Dellien pic.twitter.com/rFvFh80puQ

— Buenos Aires Challenger (@ChallengerBA) October 4, 2024

In doubles, Facundo Mena of Argentina and Murkel Dellien Velasco from Bolivia reached the final. They will face either the Brazilian pair Felipe Meligeni Rodrigues Alves and Marcelo Zormann or the team of Hugo Dellien and Ignacio Carou from Uruguay.

FRIDAY RESULTS

Singles – Quarterfinals

1) Federico Coria (ARG) d 7) Gustavo Heide (BRA) 6-4 6-4.

WC) Juan Bautista Torres (ARG) d 4) Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) 6-0 6-4.

2) Francisco Comesaña (ARG) d Juan Pablo Varillas (PER) 6-4, 6-7 (6) 7-5.

3) Hugo Dellien (BOL) d 5) Jesper de Jong (NED) 6-3, 1-6 6-2.

Doubles – Semifinals

Murkel Dellien Velasco (BOL) / Facundo Mena (ARG) d Genaro Alberto Olivieri (ARG) / Camilo Ugo Carabelli (ARG) 6-3 7-6 (7).

Felipe Meligeni Alves (BRA) / Marcelo Zormann (BRA) vs Hugo Dellien (BOL) / Ignacio Carou (URU)