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There’s just something about the Miami Open that lights a fire inside Francisco Cerundolo. The Argentine tennis player, who was a semi-finalist in 2022, shocked the world when he beat Felix Auger-Aliassime in the round of 32 of the 2023 Miami Open on Monday. After scoring two aces and returning four out of six break points, Cerundolo cruised to a 6-2, 7-5 victory to book is place in the round of 16 of the competition. The Argentine’s baseline play caught the world no. 6 off guard, who never really recovered at any point during the hour and 44 minute match.
“I’m very happy to be back again in the round of 16 here, in a Masters 1000, here in Miami,” said Cerundolo after his 10th tour-level win of the year. “I’m super happy that I’m playing as well as last year, super happy with my level, and [hope] to keep going.”
The 24-year-old player maintained a confident swing even after Auger-Aliassme regained a break to tie the second set at 4-4. For his third Top 10 career victory, Cerundolo finished with 12 winners to his opponent’s seven. The Argentine is currently 8-1 in Miami, and he will try to increase that mark when he plays either Lorenzo Sonego or Frances Tiafoe, the 12th seed, on Tuesday.
Twitter reacts
Here’s how Twitter reacted to the shock result:
Third seed Casper Ruud crashes out
Third seed Casper Ruud suffered a shock loss in the last 32 of the 2023 Miami Open on Monday after he was defeated by 26th seed Botic van de Zandschulp 6-3, 4-6, 4-6. Despite going a set up, the Norwegian tennis player could not carry the form into the remainder of the match as he was defeated quite comfortably in the final couple of sets. For van de Zandschulp, it is a momentous occasion as he recorded his first ever top-five win, and will be now looking to go the distance in Miami with his new found confidence.
“It was an unbelievable tough match,” said van de Zandschulp, the 26th seed. “He had so many chances in the third set. When I broke back for 3-2 I was holding and had a feeling that I had a chance in his service games. At 5-4 I had one opportunity and I took it.” The match was a pretty sloppy affair as both player made 30 unforced errors. Things for Ruud went sideways since he could only return two out of 15 break points, including one out of eight in the final set.
On the other hand, the Dutchman recorded 12 aces and returned three out of six break points. His win percentages on the first and second serves were 67% and 49% respectively. He also won 12 service games to seal the deal and earn a place in the last eight of the Miami Open.
