Thomaz Bellucci faces Fabio Fognini in the quarter-finals of the Movistar Open

Thomaz Bellucci and Fabio Fognini were both tipped from the start to do well in this competition, though one of them will have to make an exit on Friday. The pairing will meet in the quarterfinals of the ATP Santiago Open, with a semi-final matchup against either Tommy Robredo or Maximo Gonzalez at stake.

Bellucci overcame a second set comeback from Rui Machado in the last round, prevailing for a 7-5, 1-6, 6-1 victory. Bellucci will be eager to get back on track, and re-establish the case for him retaining the title here. Fognini also needed to get out of a sticky situation, as he came back from a set down to beat Albert Ramos-Vinolas 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.

This will be the first time that Fognini and Bellucci have met on the tour, though Bellucci will enter as the favourite. The Brazilian seems to be suited to the conditions in Santiago, and currently outranks his opponent. Even so, expect a close game. This one could realistically go either way, and might turn out to be one of the best matches of the week.