Chilean Alejandro Tabilo and Argentinian Thiago Tirante will play the only match between south american players in the quarter-finals of the Rio Open, presented by Claro, on Friday.

Tirante, 24 years old and number 92 in the world ranking, defeated the No. 1 seed in Rio, Francisco Cerundolo (6/2, 3/1), who retired from the match in the second set with back pain. It was Tirante's second victory over a top 20 player. He lamented his compatriot's situation but praised his own performance.

“It’s not good to win this way, nor to face a friend, but I played a good match, he didn’t feel comfortable at any time. I’m playing on clay after three months and I’m feeling very good, at a very high level,” said Tirante, who wrote on the camera lens after the match “Get well soon, Fran” in support of Cerundulo.

Tabilo, 28 years old and number 68 in the world ranking, defeated Italian Francesco Passaro (4/6, 7, 6(0), 6/2) and reached two quarter-finals in consecutive weeks for the first time in his career.

“I started a little nervous, it was a rare match, with many stops, zero rhythm, but in the third set I was able to play my best tennis and I’m happy with the victory,” said Tabilo.

Tabilo and Tirante have faced each other twice, with one victory for each.

“He’s a complete player, who has a good forehand and has been playing very well,” praised Tirante.

“He prefers to play on hard courts, but he is very dangerous and offensive on clay as well. It will be a great match,” Tabilo believes