Argentinian tennis legend Gabriela Sabatini has warmly praised her compatriot Francisco Cerundolo for his impressive victory in the ongoing Miami Open. Cerundolo, seeded 25th, showcased remarkable skill as he defeated the fifth seed, Felix Auger-Aliassime, in a thrilling third-round clash on Monday. In a highly competitive match, Cerundolo managed to avenge his previous losses to Auger-Aliassime at both the Australian Open and Indian Wells. He showcased his dominance with 12 winners compared to his opponent’s seven, capitalizing on Auger-Aliassime’s 19 unforced errors.
Taking to social media to celebrate Cerundolo’s triumph, Sabatini, the former World No. 3, shared a photo of her fellow countryman on Instagram and captioned it with a simple yet heartfelt “Let’s go.” She further encouraged him with the phrase “Vamos, @francerundolo” in her Instagram story.
These two Argentinian tennis talents have faced each other on three previous occasions, with Cerundolo securing his first victory against the Canadian sensation in this memorable match. With this win, Cerundolo has improved his Miami Open record to an impressive 8-1. Looking ahead, he aims to match last year’s performance, where he reached the semifinals. In the Round of 16, Cerundolo, currently ranked 31st in the world, will face Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego, setting the stage for another thrilling showdown.
Cerundolo’s victory drew admiration not only from Sabatini but also from the tennis community. He shared his thoughts on the evergreen champions of the sport, saying, “The best tennis player, the number 1, and the champion of the last Grand Slam. He’s impressive because, with everything he’s already won, he still wants to play and win. I respect that a lot. And I think it’s good for tennis that it continues at that level, that it continues to demand from us. If we want to beat him, we have to keep working to improve.”
Furthermore, Cerundolo highlighted the significant changes happening in men’s tennis, emphasizing the emergence of new champions like Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev. He mentioned, “The new generation broke into the top positions of the rating – analyzed. In the big tournaments, a lot of finalists start appearing, occasional champions like Carlos or Daniil Medvedev. The era of Nadal, Federer, and Djokovic is coming to an end, even if Djokovic still has a few years ahead.”
In conclusion, Cerundolo’s remarkable victory in the Miami Open has garnered well-deserved recognition and praise from tennis enthusiasts and legends like Gabriela Sabatini. As the tennis landscape evolves with the rise of new talent, Cerundolo’s dedication and drive serve as an inspiration for the sport’s future.
