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Both reached the finale through Top 10 players

Almagro defeated Tsonga and Ferrer without losing his serve, and his overall score against them until this tournament was 1-21. Thiem saved a match-point against Elias, and then again in the semi-final against Nadal and advanced into the finale

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Buenos Aires always got a lot from Almagro. For five straight seasons, regardless of problems, the Spaniard was not eliminated before the semi-final here. In that period he won one title and reached one finale. But in front of another finale were two men against whom his combined score was 21-1. The thing was tricky because, even though he is coming back a bit, he still hasn't reached his best tennis level. But he was close to it in matches against Tsonga and Ferrer. 

His career record against the Frenchman was 0-6, but with Tsonga's weaker performance, and a good one from Almagro, he managed to end the tradition. Nico relied on his best assets, which is great first serve, aggressive performance behind it and it worked. He didn't give a single break-point chance the entire match and he could go into the match against Ferrer with confidence. His record against him was 1-15 until yesterday. But his compatriot had to play another match the same day. Considering Ferrer's reputation as a well prepared fighter, that didn't affect the result, but we had to mention it. However, he did on the court the same thing he did against Tsonga. Played aggressively, served well and remained focused the entire time. He didn't got scared of winning, and he defeated two back-to-back Top 10 players for his 22nd ATP finale and without losing his serve.

- I am very happy. This is a reward for months of hard work, but there is no time to celebrate. I have to focus on tomorrow's match and I hope, play at the same level as today. I am happy and proud of the way I played. And especially because I am in the finale again and I am playing good tennis - the Spaniard was pleased. 

We have to congratulate him. He left Tsonga without a break point, and against Ferrer he saved all five break points. If we add to that the fact that it is played on clay, hat's down to him. Almagro reminded us of his good old days and it is sure that these two wins over Top 10 players give him a lot of confidence. 

Thiem's path toward the finale, however, was no smooth sailing. In the first match he lost a set to Busta. In the second one he saved a match-point against Elias. It was easy against Lajovic, but he played his best tennis right ahead of the most important match. He could have said ahead of the match against Nadal that he is happy with his performance. The right timing. Even though all players still respect Nadal, they sensed blood already last year. Fognini demonstrated that best, and Thiem got to see how it feels. Less than two years ago, the Austrian was collecting games against Rafa, and now he defeated him. 

Of course, it was not easy. It was a difficult match in which both players had their chances. However, in the end it came down to Rafa lacking confidence and not playing well. Even though that is very obvious, it could be seen best at Nadal's match-point and in tie-break. Instead of playing aggressively, he pulled back at the match point and let the Austrian have the initiative. In tiebreak he made a double fault, and then three unforced errors and he couldn't win the tiebreak that way. 

- I cannot believe this. Intensive three hours on the court today. I saved a match-point and managed to defeat one of the best clay-court players. To defeat a player like him is incredible, I will never forget this moment. But there is no time to celebrate, I have the finale tomorrow, and I am motivated for it - said Thiem.

The Austrian saved match-points on two occasions (Elias, Nadal), but as the tournament went, his performance improved. And it can best be seen here why he is in the Top 20, and why he won three ATP titles last year. But Almagro played such tennis in the last two rounds. You can not defeat two Top 10 players without losing your serve unless you are playing top tennis. And Nico finally demonstrated that. 

- It will be a good fight, I hope that I will fight until the end. I hope I will be able to create a chance to win this match. Everyone clearly expected Ferrer and Nadal in the finale, but Almagro-Thiem is not all that bad either - Nico announced the finale. His record in final matches is 12-9, while Thiem is at 3-1. 

We should also mention that they faced each other once already this season, at the Australian Open. Almagro then won only five games in three hours. But Nico's matches against Tsonga and Ferrer guarantee that the same thing won't happen here in Buenos Aires.