Credit : Head
Currently strongly represented in the top 100, Argentina once again proves its reputation as one of South America's leading tennis nations.
However, one observation must be made : just like many South American nations, Argentina essentially produces clay-court players who, although performing brilliantly on clay, struggle to impose themselves on other surfaces.
Yet over the last two years, a surprising phenomenon has occurred.
Expected to be a clay-court player just like many of his compatriots, an Argentine player seems to have managed to adapt to every surface on the circuit, eventually winning a title on grass.
At just 25 years of age, Francisco Cerúndolo is knocking on the door of the top 30 and is a welcome anomaly in South American tennis, which tends to be a little too formatted.
Cerúndolo run at the Miami ATP tournament, source : TennisTV
In 2021 Francisco Cerúndolo excelled on clay, in 2022 the native of Buenos Aires performed on American hard courts. This season the right-handed conquered grass by winning the Eastbourne ATP 250, quite an interesting progression, isn't it?
While the Argentine is currently a threat to the top 10 on clay, he is nonetheless becoming a tough opponent on all surfaces, season after season.
Both his potential and his room for improvement make him a player to keep an eye on over the coming seasons.
Unlike many of his compatriots, Francisco Cerúndolo has a particularly offensive style of play, which is demonstrated by his more advanced position on the court.
Much less of a wait-and-see player and much more of a creator, Cerúndolo can also express himself on fast surfaces, quickly taking over the game.
Francisco Cerundolo after winning his title at the 2023 Eastbourne tournament. Source: LTA Tennis
The Argentinian's offensive style is partly based on his forehand, which, although it can't be compared with his predecessor Del Potro's, allows him to take advantage over most of his opponents.
«He played at very high level, he puts pressure, playing aggressive from both sides »
Rafael Nadal
Although speed of movement and a competitive spirit are often common features of Argentine players, Cerúndolo has an additional weapon that too few of his compatriots possess : the ability to vary his game.
Admittedly, the 6'1' player's offensive style is mainly based on flat shots, but unlike many players with a similar game, Cerúndolo doesn't hesitate to break the rhythm of the rally with cleverly executed drop shots.
What to expect from Francisco Cerúndolo ?
Coached by renowned Argentine tennis coach Kevin Konfederak, Francisco Cerúndolo has emerged over the last two years as one of the ATP circuit's pleasant surprises.
Although Cerúndolo is not the youngest and thus cannot be considered a member of the so-called "Nextgen", his progression is steady and his tennis already seems to possess an interesting maturity.
Who knows, Del Potro may have found his new successor...
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