Five Argentine tennis players exited the Shanghai Masters in the second round on Saturday, October 10, 2026, leaving Francisco Cerúndolo as the sole remaining national competitor in the tournament’s singles draw. Ellitoral.com reported that Tomás Etcheverry, Sebastián Báez, Juan Manuel Cerúndolo, Thiago Tirante, and Camilo Ugo Carabelli all suffered defeats on the same day during the ATP Masters 1000 event in China, running into tough opposition on the hard courts.
Etcheverry and Ugo Carabelli Fall in Three-Set Battles
Camilo Ugo Carabelli came closest to securing an upset before bowing out to fourth-seeded Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 7-6(1), 7-5, according to ellitoral.com. Ugo Carabelli claimed the opening set and pushed the match deep into a third before Auger-Aliassime seized control in the closing games. Lacuartaonline.com noted that Auger-Aliassime needed to recover from that early deficit to advance to the third round.
Tomás Etcheverry suffered a similarly narrow defeat, losing 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 to Czech player Dalibor Svrcina. Sitioandino.com.ar highlighted Etcheverry’s exit as one of the day’s surprising results, given the Argentine’s seeded status coming into the tournament. Thiago Tirante also won the first set against Spain’s Rafael Jódar before dropping the next two, falling 4-6, 6-2, 6-3 as Jódar continued a strong run of form.
Alcaraz and Vacherot Stop Argentine Hopes in Straight Sets
While three matches extended to a deciding set, two Argentine players exited in straight sets against high-profile opponents. Juan Manuel Cerúndolo drew second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz, falling 6-3, 6-3. Lacuartaonline.com pointed out that Alcaraz entered the contest carrying momentum from winning the ATP 500 in Tokyo, leaving the younger Cerúndolo with few answers on the fast surface.
Sebastián Báez faced defending champion Valentin Vacherot of Monaco and lost 6-4, 7-6(5). Ellitoral.com noted that the defeat underscored Báez’s ongoing struggles on fast hard courts, where finding consistent results has proved difficult throughout the season.
Francisco Cerúndolo Carries National Hopes into Sunday
With five compatriots eliminated on Saturday, 21st-seeded Francisco Cerúndolo remains the only Argentine left in the tournament. Having previously defeated Russia’s Roman Safiullin to reach the third round, he faces Czech player Jakub Mensik, the 13th seed. Ellitoral.com reported that the match is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, starting no earlier than 3:20 a.m. Argentine time, with a spot in the round of 16 on the line.
