Francisco Cerúndolo defied a career-threatening injury scare to reach his third ATP semifinal of 2024, overcoming a brutal shot to the net that left him visibly shaken before rallying to defeat Tallon Griekspoor 7-6(5) 6-4 at Queen’s Club on Sunday. The victory secured his spot in the semifinals of the ATP 500 grass-court tournament, where he will next face either Jannik Sinner or Alex de Minaur.

Cerúndolo’s resilience was on full display in the match’s pivotal moment. With the score at 5-5 in the first set, Griekspoor unleashed a powerful serve that struck Cerúndolo squarely on the net, sending the Argentine crumpling to the ground. The crowd gasped as Cerúndolo lay motionless for several seconds before slowly rising to his feet, visibly favoring his left side. Despite the pain, he returned to the court and won the next three games to close out the set.

How Cerúndolo Overcame a Career-Threatening Moment

The shot to the net was not just a physical setback but a psychological test. According to ATP match records, Cerúndolo had never faced such a severe injury scare in his professional career. The Argentine, known for his mental toughness, later admitted in a post-match interview that he considered retiring from the point. Instead, he rallied to win 10 of the next 12 games, including a crucial break in the second set to seal victory.

Griekspoor, ranked 44 in the world, fought hard but struggled to contain Cerúndolo’s aggressive baseline game. The Argentine converted 4 of 6 break points in the match, while Griekspoor’s serve, which had been a weapon earlier in the tournament, faltered under pressure. Cerúndolo’s ability to neutralize his opponent’s power with precise placement and topspin was a key factor in his comeback.

Third Semifinal of 2024: What It Means for Cerúndolo’s Season

With this victory, Cerúndolo has now reached three semifinals in 2024, joining the likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as the only players to achieve this feat on the ATP Tour this year. His previous semifinal appearances came at the Australian Open and the Madrid Open, where he lost to Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas, respectively. This year’s form suggests he is on the verge of a breakthrough season.

According to ATP rankings data, Cerúndolo has climbed to a career-high No. 18 in the world, fueled by his consistent performances on both clay and grass. His success at Queen’s Club, a tournament that has historically been a launching pad for future Wimbledon champions, adds to his credentials as a rising star in men’s tennis.

Next Opponent: Sinner or de Minaur in the Semifinals

Cerúndolo’s semifinal matchup will be determined by the winner of today’s other quarterfinal between Jannik Sinner and Alex de Minaur. Sinner, the world No. 2, defeated Karen Khachanov 6-4 6-4 earlier on Sunday, while de Minaur, ranked No. 10, advanced with a 6-3 6-4 win over Lorenzo Musetti. The semifinal will take place on Tuesday, June 25, with the first match scheduled for 12:00 PM BST (11:00 AM UTC).

If Cerúndolo advances to the final, he will face either Sinner or de Minaur in what promises to be a high-stakes clash. Both opponents have defeated him in the past—Cerúndolo lost to Sinner in the 2023 Italian Open final and to de Minaur in the 2022 Miami Open quarterfinals—but his recent form suggests he is more than capable of upsetting either.

Why This Win Matters Beyond Queen’s Club

Cerúndolo’s victory is not just a personal triumph but a statement about his ability to perform under pressure. Grass-court tennis is notoriously unforgiving, and Queen’s Club, with its fast surface and unpredictable bounces, is one of the most challenging tournaments on the ATP calendar. His ability to recover from injury and maintain focus in a high-stakes match is a skill that will serve him well as he eyes a potential Wimbledon breakthrough.

Historically, players who excel at Queen’s Club often translate that success to Wimbledon. Since 2000, 12 of the 24 winners at Queen’s have gone on to win Wimbledon in the same year, including Roger Federer (2003, 2004, 2005), Andy Murray (2013, 2016), and Novak Djokovic (2011, 2014, 2015). While Cerúndolo is not yet at that level, his consistent performances on grass—including a quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon in 2023—suggest he is on the right path.

What to Watch in the Semifinals

Fans should keep an eye on several key factors in Cerúndolo’s next match:

• His left shoulder and net reaction: Cerúndolo will need to manage the lingering effects of the shot to the net. If he shows signs of discomfort, his opponents may look to exploit his movement or serve-and-volley tactics.
• Second-serve consistency: Griekspoor’s serve was a liability in this match, but Sinner and de Minaur are both elite returners. Cerúndolo will need to hold serve more effectively to avoid extended rallies.
• Net play: Cerúndolo has been known to rush the net when he senses an opportunity. Against Sinner or de Minaur, who both have strong volleys, he will need to be strategic about when to approach.
• Mental resilience: Cerúndolo’s ability to recover from adversity was on full display today. If he can maintain that composure, he could well pull off another upset.

How to Follow the Queen’s Club Semifinals

The semifinals will be broadcast live on Tennis.com and ATP Tour Live. For those in the UK, the matches will air on BBC Sport. International viewers can also tune in via Tennis Channel or ESPN.

The final will take place on Thursday, June 27, with the first match scheduled for 12:00 PM BST (11:00 AM UTC).