Francisco Cerundolo believes Rune match will “probably be 50/50”

After defeating No 9 seed Taylor Fritz in four sets, a confident Francisco Cerundolo believes his chances are 50/50 heading into a round of 16 match against Holger Rune

(Chryslene Caillaud/Panoramic)

Bren Gray

June 4, 2023

French Open 2023 Men's Singles •Round of 16 • completed

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H. RunevsF. Cerundolo

Francisco Cerundolo has made the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time in his career, moving through to the round of 16 at Roland-Garros today.

The achievement comes off the back of an impressive four set win over No 9 seed Taylor Fritz, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5. Fritz was the sixth top 15 player that Cerundolo has defeated in 2023, with wins over Cam Norrie, Casper Ruud, Jannik Sinner and Felix Auger-Aliassime already this season.

With the world No 23 playing positive tennis on the clay, Cerundolo is looking like a genuine prospect to go deep in a Roland-Garros draw that has been riddled with upsets over the past seven days.

Cerundolo overcomes poor start, plays confident tennis

Heading into his match against Taylor Fritz, Cerundolo was playing on Court Suzanne-Lenglen for the first time. Despite the occasion, the No 23 seed was confident that he would have the crowd on his side.

“I knew what Taylor did at the other match so probably I knew that today the crowd was going to be by my side. I think it was most of the match.”

Cerundolo made a shaky start to his Suzanne-Lenglen debut, dropping the opening set 6-3. However, in the second set the Argentinian was able to overcome his nerves and began to play the tennis that has seen him accrue a 22-14 record this year.

“First set was a bit tense. I didn’t play well. After, I think I started playing better, more aggressive, less errors. But of course it was a great battle so I’m super happy to get the win and be in the second week of a Grand Slam.

Yeah, hopefully I can keep going and keep playing like this. I’m playing more with confidence, and I’m really happy.”

“Hopefully one day I can be top 10” – Cerundolo remains humble about rapid rise

Despite being 24 years old, this time last year not many tennis fans were talking about Francisco Cerundolo.

However, the Argentinian’s fine form in 2023 has propelled him into the public eye. Sitting at No 16 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race to Turin after his third-round victory, Cerundolo is still remaining circumspect about his improvements this season.

“I don’t feel I belong to the top 10 because I’m not even top 20.

“I think I’m going to be top 20 or probably close to that next week. But I’m working to get to that level, I think I’m closer, but I have to keep going, to keep winning, and keep improving. So hopefully one day I can be in that top-10 players.

“But yeah, I don’t know. I have been playing really good. I have beaten many players that are top 10, top 20 this past month. Yeah, my level is improving for sure, but I don’t belong to that top-10 guys.

“I’m happy to be winning to those players and the other ones also.”

Rune match will “probably be 50/50”

Francisco Cerundolo’s next match will certainly be one to keep an eye on. The Argentinian faces No 6 seed Holger Rune, who is now among the favourites in the bottom half of the men’s singles draw following the exits of Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner earlier this week.

Cerundolo is excited about the clash, which is sure to bring plenty of crowd engagement.

“With Holger, yeah, it will be wild, for sure. He likes to engage the crowd, play with them. Sometimes they are against him, but sometimes they are with him because he’s a great player.

“But, yeah, it’s going to be fun. I’m going to enjoy it. Hopefully they will be by my side. It will probably be, I don’t know, 50/50.”

Win against Rune, and Cerundolo could face a semi-final against Casper Ruud, a player he has a 1-1 head-to-head with in 2023.