ATP Roundup: Francisco Cerundolo Stuns Top Seed Andrey Rublev at Croatia Open

Cerundolo Upsets Rublev at Croatia Open

In a surprising turn at the Plava Laguna Croatia Open in Umag, fourth-seeded Francisco Cerundolo defeated top seed Andrey Rublev 7-6 (6), 6-4 to secure a place in the final. Cerundolo showcased impressive performance metrics, including saving five of six break points and outperforming Rublev in winners (25-16), service points (53-45), and return points (29-26). The Argentinian, ranked No. 37 globally, also excelled in first serve return points, winning 12-9, and secured more points on second serves, 19-14.

Cerundolo will face Lorenzo Musetti in the final. Musetti, ranked No. 17, advanced after a decisive 6-4, 6-1 victory over Jakub Mensik. Musetti demonstrated superior first serve percentage (60% vs. 44%) and won five of nine return games.

Berrettini and Gaston Set for Kitzbuhel Final

At the Generali Open in Kitzbuhel, Austria, Matteo Berrettini of Italy reached the final with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Yannick Hanfmann. Berrettini, ranked 50th, dominated with 11 aces and converted two of eight break points, while Hanfmann committed 13 unforced errors.

Joining Berrettini in the final is France’s Hugo Gaston, who defeated Facundo Diaz Acosta of Argentina 6-1, 2-0. Gaston excelled on first serve points (12 of 14) and second serves (six of eight). Acosta retired due to a thigh injury.

Thompson Triumphs in Atlanta’s Longest Match

In Atlanta, Jordan Thompson of Australia won the longest match in the tournament’s history, outlasting Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6 (5), 4-6, 6-3. The match, lasting 3 hours and 3 minutes, saw Thompson lead with 21 aces while Davidovich Fokina committed five double faults. Thompson will face Juncheng Shang of China in the semifinals, who advanced after a 7-6 (3), 6-4 win over Max Purcell.

The other semifinal will feature Yoshihito Nishioka of Japan, who upset third-seeded Frances Tiafoe 7-6 (2), 6-2, and Arthur Rinderknech of France, who defeated Mattia Bellucci 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-1 in a match that concluded after 1 a.m. local time.