Cerundolo powers into Argentina Open last 16

Local favorite Juan Cerundolo reached the Argentina Open last 16 on Tuesday with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over German fifth-seed Daniel Altmaier.

Cerundolo won 78 percent of points on his first serve and converted four of 10 break point opportunities to prevail in one hour and 28 minutes on the outdoor clay of the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club.

World No. 51 Altmaier won just 57 percent of points on first serve and committed 30 unforced errors.

"The ball bounced really high today, the court was fast, and I hit my forehand really hard. I also had a high percentage of first serves," said Cerundolo, who is seeking his second tour title.

The 24-year-old will meet Spain's Pedro Martinez in the next round of the ATP 250 event.

Cerundolo's compatriot Roman Burruchaga also progressed with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Serbia's Laslo Djere in one hour and 20 minutes.

In other matches, Tomas Barrios of Chile beat Thiago Wild in a walkover after the Brazilian retired while trailing 6-5 in the second set and Peru's Ignacio Buse overcame Francesco Passaro of Italy 5-7, 7-5, 6-4.