The 2024 Argentina Open is coming to a close, with Saturday’s highlight being Chile’s Nicolás Jarry clinching his place in the final by beating Spain’s defending champion and world number two Carlos Alcaraz 7-6 (1), 6-3.

Meanwhile, Saturday’s first game was the all-Argentine semifinal, where Facundo Diaz Acosta (87th ATP singles ranked) beat Federico Coria (107) 6-2, 6-3. Díaz Acosta will face Jarry on Sunday at 4 p.m.

There were doubts about Jarry’s level after he struggled against Argentine Tomás Etcheverry in the quarters, only winning after the La Plata native got an injury early in the second set and retired.

Yet, Chile’s top-ranked player (21st ATP singles) held his own against Alcaraz (2nd), using his powerful serve and groundstrokes to take the game to a tiebreak. Then, Alcaraz’s imprecision cost him, taking the first 7-6 (2).

The second set kept much in the same fashion, until Alcaraz’s inaccuracy cost him at 4-3, allowing Jarry to serve for the game. Despite saving a match point and having two opportunities, the world number two was unable to gain the break back and the match ended 6-3.

“It was a great game on my part, against a tough rival,” said Jarry after the game. “I’ve been struggling to find my game all week and I was able to do it today, so I’m proud.”

Asked about the upcoming final, he said that [Díaz Acosta] was playing very well and that he was “he’s very strong mentally,” something he’s known since they faced each other years ago at the ATP Challenger level. 

Despite facing heavy opposition from fans, Jarry didn’t scoff at the idea of a Buenos Aires title. “This is a historic tournament, that’s had great players take part in great finals, so playing here means a lot.” 

“It’s a tough defeat for me,” said Alcaraz. “I’ve played well but far from my best. I have to improve how I play in the game’s key moments, read the match better, and give my best in high-stakes situations.”

Argentina vs. Argentina

In the other semifinal earlier on Saturday, Diaz Acosta beat Coria 6-2, 6-3.

The first set looked like it was going Coria’s way, as he broke his rival’s first serving turn. However, Diaz Acosta quickly found his footing, improved his accuracy, and won six straight games to win the set 6-2.

The second set was more closely contested, with Coria upping the ante in the first games. However, his groundstrokes became shorter, allowing Diaz Acosta to push him deeper into the court. The Buenos Aires native broke his rival’s serve at 4-3 and served to close 6-3.

“After a few hours I’ll feel prouder,” said a visibly disappointed Coria after the game. “I had high hopes of playing the final. But I’m happy for [Diaz Acosta]. I’m pleased for him, for the progress he’s making, because he’s a terrific lad.”

Diaz Acosta will play his first ever ATP tour final, after becoming only the third wild card to reach the final, after Argentine Mariano Puerta did it in 2005 and Spanish David Ferrer did it in 2014 — when he also won the title.

“It was a very emotionally driven game,” said Díaz Acosta after the match. “I knew I had a chance to win, so that made me nervous.”

“I’ll try to enjoy the final,” he said. “I’ll be playing a foreigner regardless of who wins so I’ll try to use the crowd in my favor and enjoy that.”