The 2024 Argentina Open is under way. The Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club welcomed top players from around the world this Monday to host Argentina’s most prestigious tennis tournament once again. The first day ended with wins by Argentines Tomás Etcheverry and Facundo Díaz Acosta. Pedro Cachín, the other Argentine to debut, fell to Swiss Stan Wawrinka, while former US Open winner Marin Cilic, from Croatia, lost to Serbia’s Laslo Djere.

Sixth seed and one of the favorites to take the title, Etcheverry (27th ATP singles ranked) was coming off a disappointing Córdoba Open earlier this month, where he lost in the quarterfinals, despite his impressive win against three-time Grand Slam winner British Andy Murray at the Australian Open weeks before.

Strong winds affected play at night, but Etcheverry managed to plough through the conditions and the hard-fighting tenacity of Spanish Roberto Carballes Baena (64) to win 6-4, 6-1.

“Every tournament is different and you have to adapt,” Etcheverry told the Herald after the match. “In Australia I was able to adapt well and got to beat Murray, [Gael] Monfils and even play [Novak Djokivic]. Facing players of that level is very special and it helps you improve.”

Etcheverry, who enjoyed big support from Argentines living in Australia, said he enjoyed feeling the roar of the crowds. “You can tell there are Argentines everywhere, I felt like a home favorite in Australia. Some players like it, others feel the pressure. I love having all that extra energy pushing you. There are many tournaments where you get lots of Argentines in the crowd and you have to appreciate them.”

After weather delays, the day shift started with Díaz Acosta (87) and German Daniel Altmaier (53). With the field bogged down by the rain, the home-crowd favorite fought hard to win 6-3, 7-6 (1) in two hours and five minutes of play. 

Diaz Acosta is set to take on fourth seeded Francisco Cerúndolo (22), the top ranked Argentine player. “It’s going to be a different game because we know each other very well,” said Díaz Acosta, who’s fresh off reaching the Córdoba Open quarterfinals. “He’ll have a bit more on his shoulders, but it’s going to be a tough match anyway.”

2014 US Open-winner Cilic completed the day shift against Djere (35). The Croatian, currently ranked 1044 but once a top 3 player, was coming off an injury that took him away from the courts for an entire year. He was unable to sustain his best tennis throughout the match, with Djere taking the win 4-6, 6-3, 6-0 in one hour and 59 minutes.

Three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka (60) from Switzerland opened the night shift, coming from behind to beat Argentine Pedro Cachín (74)  6-7 (4-7), 6-1, 6-2 in two hours and 24 minutes.

“It’s great to be back in Argentina,” said Wawrinka after the match, who was runner-up in 2013. He enjoyed plenty of support from the fans despite going up against a local. “I wanted to come back here before retiring, I missed this crowd. I want to thank the fans and I hope to see them in my next match.”

• This week, the Herald will be on the ground reporting from the Argentina Open, so check back for updates!