The game of differences that divides the ATP of Córdoba and Buenos Aires

In just four weeks the the men’s circuit will arrive in Argentina with the tournaments in Córdoba and Buenos Aires. Both are ATP 250 but, although the category of both is the same, it is clear that there are differences between what each of them will offer. The widest and most visible distance is in the protagonists: already in December the Buenos Aires tournament had made headlines Carlos Alcaraz, Cameron Norrie, Arthur Fils and Stan Wawrinka. They, together with the best Argentine tennis players led by Francisco Cerúndolo, constitute an attraction that is difficult to ignore. On the other hand, Córdoba announced on Tuesday the closure of the list of its players and, beyond the fact that the best local players will be present, Sebastian Ofner, Austrian, 27 years old, 37th in the world and semi-finalist last week in Hong Kong, will be the foreigner with the highest ranking. The crack is evident.

What is the main reason? Córdoba’s worst enemy is the date. Even though the tournament is played just a week before Buenos Aires, those seven days are fundamental. An example: whoever will be the protagonist in Australia, if there are no surprises, will reach the second week of the tournament. Then there will be the Davis Cup and, immediately, the landing in Córdoba. There is no recovery time in any sense.

Beyond the provincial and municipal support – Agustín Calleri of Rio Cuarto, head of the Argentine Tennis Association, is also president of the powerful Córdoba Sports Agency -, the money to seduce some figure on the circuit in a more powerful way is not there. in abundance in the ATP of Córdoba whose owners are Octagon and Torneos. That money, however, ended up in the coffers of Tennium, owner of the Buenos Aires event, and that’s why there were guarantees to be distributed among five of the team’s best players.

Despite everything, expectations in Córdoba are good while the construction site is being assembled on the hot asphalt of the Kempes Sports Center. Its organizers, with director Mariano Ink at the helm, are enthusiastic about the pace of ticket sales and never stop appreciating the presence of the Argentine players, aware that there are variables that are very difficult to manage. They also know that 2024 will only be the sixth edition of a tournament that appears like a younger brother but which aims to come of age very quickly. It will be great for him to reach that moment.