SANTIAGO, Chile – Top seed Francisco Cerúndolo began his campaign at the 2026 Chile Open with a commanding victory, dispatching Denmark’s Elmer Moller 6-2, 6-2 on Friday. The win at the ATP 250 tournament in Santiago marks a strong start for the Argentine as he looks to build momentum on the South American clay court swing.
Cerúndolo, currently ranked No. 19 in the world, entered the tournament with some question marks surrounding his fitness. He was forced to retire from his previous event, the Rio Open, due to a lower back issue. The Chile Open represents a crucial opportunity for Cerúndolo to regain form ahead of the Indian Wells and Miami Masters 1000 events.
Despite the recent setback, Cerúndolo displayed no lingering effects of the injury against Moller. He dominated the match, facing no break points throughout and converting four of his own opportunities to secure a decisive victory. Moller had previously upset Román Burruchaga in the qualifying round, but was unable to replicate that success against the tournament favorite.
The 27-year-old Cerúndolo is aiming for his first title in Santiago. He reached the semifinals of the 2025 edition, falling to eventual champion Laslo Djere. This year’s tournament, held at the Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindo, offers Cerúndolo a chance to improve upon that result and potentially achieve a new career milestone.
A championship run in Santiago would propel Cerúndolo to a career-high ranking of No. 17, according to projections based on current ATP rankings. This would be a significant achievement for the Argentine, solidifying his position as one of the leading players on the South American circuit.
In the quarterfinals, Cerúndolo will face American Emilio Nava, a matchup for which there is no prior head-to-head record. The contrasting styles of the two players promise an intriguing contest. Nava, ranked No. 79, will seem to disrupt Cerúndolo’s rhythm with his aggressive baseline game.
The tournament also saw action involving fellow Argentine Thiago Tirante. As of the close of reporting, Tirante was competing against the home favorite and eighth-seeded Alejandro Tabilo in the round of 16. The match is expected to be a tightly contested affair, with Tabilo enjoying strong support from the local crowd.
The 2026 Chile Open is attracting a strong field of South American talent, highlighting the growing strength of tennis in the region. Francisco Cerúndolo’s participation is a major draw for fans and underscores the tournament’s importance on the ATP calendar.
The tournament, officially known as the BCI Seguros Chile Open for sponsorship reasons, is an ATP 250 event, meaning it offers a moderate level of ranking points and prize money. It serves as a key preparation event for the more prestigious Masters 1000 tournaments in Indian Wells, and Miami.
For fans following the action, the Chile Open provides a compelling showcase of rising stars and established players battling on the clay courts of Santiago. The tournament runs through March 1st, with daily updates and results available on the official ATP Tour website and through Archysport’s ongoing coverage.
Cerúndolo’s performance in Santiago will be closely watched by tennis enthusiasts around the world. His ability to navigate the challenges of the clay court surface and maintain his physical condition will be crucial to his success. The quarterfinals match against Nava represents the next significant hurdle in his quest for the title.
The Chile Open continues to build its reputation as a vital stop on the South American tennis tour, offering a platform for players to compete and gain valuable experience. With Cerúndolo leading the charge, the tournament is poised to deliver exciting matches and memorable moments for fans both in Santiago and around the globe.
Next up for Cerúndolo is his quarterfinal clash with Emilio Nava. The match is scheduled for Saturday, February 27th, at Estadio San Carlos de Apoquindo. Stay tuned to Archysport for live updates and analysis.
