Francisco Cerúndolo (22nd ATP ranking) had a fleeting time at the Córdoba ATP after falling this Wednesday against the Spaniard, Jaume Munar (74th), 7-5 and 6-4 in 1h54m of play on the central court of the Polo Kempes Sports.
The Argentine had 53 unforced errors and took advantage of 2 (of 12) break point chances. The record was in his favor 3 to 0. He had beaten the Mallorcan in the 2019 edition, in the Argentina Open 2023 and at Roland Garros 2023. The suffering of the eldest of the Cerundolo brothers would begin in the second game of the match when the Spanish managed to break his serve. However, he would later rally and even the score. Despite this, he lost two more games when he was serving 5-4 and Munar did not forgive. The second set was even.
Although the difference in level between one and the other was notable, regularity in this sport is very important. An unknown Fran did not find that consistency against a Munar who took advantage of every opportunity that was presented to him.
Even the greatest tennis players in history have had matches to forget. It is very important that Cerúndolo manages to get out of this bad streak and enjoy the game again. The tennis he has is worthy of the best in the world and his attitude, of always moving forward in adversity, shows why he is where he is.
Etchverry, pure precision
For its part, Tomás Etcheverry (29th) was forceful from start to finish and he beat Bernabé Zapata Miralles in straight sets (79th). In this case, forcefulness and consistency were key for the man born in La Plata to take this tremendous victory in an even match.
In the first set, both tennis players reached the deciding stage 5-5, but Etcheverry’s precision at this moment was the key to taking the first 7-5. Already in the second set, the Argentine managed to break the Spaniard in the sixth game and went ahead 4-2. From that moment, Miralles lost the regularity in his hitting, he began to complain to himself and the world No. 29 did not forgive. It was 6-4.
“The first rounds always cost a little more, it’s a reality. He is a very tough player and knows how to battle like we do. The first set was an arm wrestle. At 6-5 I was able to get the break and came out decisively to close the match. In the second set, the same thing happened. He was not an easy rival. Part of winning when you are not so comfortable or the game is not going well, it is very important for the next round to have the opportunity to do better,” Etcheverry declared in a conference, who also seemed happy with the Argentine victory over the Spanish. by 3 to 1 on this day of the Cordoba Open: “You are always happy, in this case it was Facu and Fede’s turn to win, we get along very well and it is something very positive. We Argentines always accompany each other. I’m happy for them. It seemed like a mini Davis Cup.”
Furthermore, he was very happy with the support of the Cordoban public and referred to the next match against Fede Coria in the round of 16: “I’m very happy. It’s something special and I like it a lot. Fede is a great friend and a great rival. I hope I can beat him. It will be a battle for which we must be prepared”
Finally, after being consulted by the press, Etcheverry spoke about Francisco Cerúndolo’s defeat: “It’s part of the game. Sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. I am focused on my zone, on my rivals. All the games are very tough, Munar is a great player. “Anything can happen, anyone can beat anyone.”
At the beginning of the day, Federico Coria (93rd), Etcheverry’s next rival, beat Albert Ramos (84th) 6-1 and 6-3
2024-02-08 10:09:01
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