Estoy súper contento: jugué un partido muy sólido,
said Francisco Cerúndolo after advancing to the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Fortis European Open in Brussels. The Argentine tennis player secured his spot among the final four by defeating French qualifier Clément Chidekh 6–2, 6–4 on Friday.
Playing at the indoor hardcourt tournament in the Belgian capital, the third-seeded Cerúndolo needed one hour and sixteen minutes to overcome his 152nd-ranked opponent. The victory marks Cerúndolo’s fourth semifinal appearance of the season, following runs in Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Queen’s, according to tournament reporting.
Semis en Bruselas 💪🇧🇪🤝 https://t.co/zYfjHMJRGh
Straight-Sets Victory Over Qualifier Clément Chidekh
Cerúndolo established control early against Chidekh, who had reached the main draw through the qualifying rounds and eliminated higher-ranked players such as Botic van de Zandschulp and Jacob Fearnley earlier in the week. The Argentine took the initiative from the opening game, securing the first set 6–2 in less than half an hour without facing a single break point.
The second set proved more competitive. Cerúndolo generated six break opportunities, converting one to take a 4–2 lead before Chidekh rallied. Serving for the match at 5–4, Cerúndolo closed out the contest with an ace. He finished the encounter winning 88% of the points on his first serve, as detailed in match statistics.
Getting the job done 💪Francisco Cerundolo is through to a 20th career semi-final, defeating Clement Chidekh 6-2 6-4! ✅ #BNPPFEuropeanOpen pic.twitter.com/6Bz4O0F9gb
Chasing a Third Title of the Season
Ranked No. 21 in the world, Cerúndolo remains two wins away from capturing his third singles title of the season, following previous triumphs at the Argentina Open and Queen’s. The victory also marked his 70th career win on fast surfaces, placing him eighth among Argentine players in history behind figures such as Juan Martín del Potro, David Nalbandian, and Guillermo Vilas, as noted by Diario Río Negro.
Reflecting on his run under the indoor conditions, Cerúndolo praised his opponent’s resilience. He is an incredible player to whom I give a lot of credit because he has had a great year,
Cerúndolo said of Chidekh in remarks reported by La Nación. The match was really difficult. Always liked playing indoors and I enjoy it a lot here.
Upcoming Semifinal Opponent in the Belgian Capital
In the next round, Cerúndolo will face either second-seeded Czech player Jiri Lehecka or Dutch competitor Tallon Griekspoor. Against Griekspoor, Cerúndolo holds a 1–0 head-to-head advantage, while he trails 0–2 in prior meetings against Lehecka, according to tour records.
Cerúndolo is the last remaining Argentine competitor in the Brussels singles draw. Earlier in the week, compatriot Mariano Navone reached the second round before falling to Griekspoor in straight sets, 7–6(4), 7–5.
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