BUENOS AIRES/STARNBERG, October 6, 2024
The top two seeds will go head to head in Sunday’s YPF Challenger Buenos Aires 2024 when Federico Coria will take on Francisco Comesana. The two Argentines secured victories in their semifinals, setting up a showdown between “La Mojarra” (Coria) and “El Tiburón” (Comesana).
In Saturday’s semi-final of the ATP Challenger Tour 75 clay-court event, Coria battled past his compatriot, Juan Bautista Torres, 7-6(11), 7-5 in two hours and 29 minutes. The first set foreshadowed the intensity of the match. Coria took an early 4-1 lead, but Torres fought back to serve for the set at 5-4. However, Coria, living up to his nickname, broke back and clinched the set 7-6 (11) after saving four set points.
The second set seemed under Torres’ control as he surged to a 5-1 lead, but Coria mounted a remarkable comeback.
¡CELEBRA EL MOJARRISMO!
@fedeecoria, el máximo favorito del YPF Buenos Aires Challenger, se metió en la final tras vencer 7-6 (11) y 7-5 a Bautista Torres en dos horas y media de disputa
Este domingo buscará el título ante el ganador del duelo entre Comesaña y Dellien pic.twitter.com/f5qzbXtw77
— Buenos Aires Challenger (@ChallengerBA) October 5, 2024
“When I was down 5-1, someone in the crowd told me I was going to turn it around, and I promised him I’d give him my cap if I did,” Coria said during the post-match press conference. True to his word, after winning the second set 7-5, Coria handed his cap to the lucky fan. Reflecting on the match, Coria expressed his delight at reaching the final: “I’m really happy to be back in the final here in Argentina. I went from not wanting to play because I was feeling terrible to completely turning it around, thanks to the support of the crowd.”
Comesana also faced a tough battle against third seed Hugo Dellien from Bolivia. The Mar del Plata native fought for over two hours to win 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.
¡A LA FINAL, @fran_comesana !
El Tiburón se impuso 6-4, 3-6 y 6-2 ante Hugo Dellien y buscará el título este domingo ante Federico Coria pic.twitter.com/KQRdMDppQm
— Buenos Aires Challenger (@ChallengerBA) October 5, 2024
“I really enjoyed this week. I always played against foreign players, so the crowd was on my side. I know tomorrow will be different with Fede because he’s very well-liked here,” Comesana said in the post-match press conference. Asked about the long hours he’s spent on court, Comesana emphasized his training: “Even though I’ve played a lot of hours, I don’t feel tired. I train for five-set matches, so I’m ready.”
In addition to the singles semifinals, the doubles champions were crowned. The duo of Facundo Mena of Argentina and Murkel Dellien from Bolivia claimed the title with a 1-6, 6-2, 12-10 victory over the Brazilian pair Felipe Meligeni Alves and Marcelo Zormann.
SATURDAY RESULTS
Singles – Semifinals
(1) Federico Coria (ARG) d Juan Bautista Torres (ARG) 7-6 (11) 7-5
(2) Francisco Comesana (ARG) d (3) Hugo Dellien (Bol) 6-4, 3-6 6-2
Doubles – Final
Facundo Mena/Murkel Dellien d Felipe Melingeni Alves/Marcelo Zormann 1-6, 6-2 12-10
