Real match between Argentines. Diego Schwartzman defeated Francisco Cerúndolo in three sets (3-6, 6-2, 7-5). Now Diego will face Lorenzo Sonego for a place in the final.
Great match between compatriots to define the last semifinalist of the Argentina Open. Diego Schwartzman He arrived as the favorite in this duel, although he also came from making a notable wear in his debut in the tournament against Jaume Munar, where although he won in straight sets, they were two extremely close tiebreaks. For his part, Francisco Cerundolo He was looking to give another blow to the table after taking out the Serbian Miomir Kecmanovic in one of the best games of this edition. With that win and other results, Fran was assured of breaking into the Top 100 for the first time. The oldest of the Cerúndolo brothers needed to win to also enter the Río Open with Special Exempt.
Between the two they disputed precisely the last final of the Argentina Open, with Schwartzman’s victory over Cerúndolo in two comfortable sets.
great duel of styles
The match began inevitably marked by a large amount of wind, which complicated the playing conditions for both. Schwartzman managed to break first, to go up 3-1 on the scoreboard. In fact, Diego had other chances to make a second difference break, but Francisco was able to avoid it. Cerúndolo took advantage of some mistakes made by his rival and was able to quickly recover that break, to even the story. El Peque was the one who showed the greatest frustration with how the game was being played, unable to avoid a large number of errors by both. Fran made a fundamental break to get 5-3, to then sign the first quarter 6-3.
Things started much better for Diego in the second set, with Francisco more erratic than before, losing serve to give him a 3-0 lead and gain ground on his comeback. Schwartzman himself would have to save two break balls at 3-1, keys to maintaining that favorable difference on the scoreboard. Although the domain was not great in terms of the game, Diego continued to comfortably lead the score. Without giving up his serve again, the second seed took the set 6-2.
One last luxury set
Just played two games of the third quarter, the rain became more intense, and forced to interrupt the actions until Saturday at noon. After the break, Schwartzman broke first to make it 3-1, but then Cerúndolo recovered it, leaving everything even.
The level of tennis was already better than the day before due to the conditions that now arose. Based on powerful shots, especially with the right, Fran made another break to reach 5-4 up. At the moment of serving for the match, the nerves played more for the young Argentine, and Diego took the opportunity to control the points and recover that difference. Bringing out the experience, Schwartzman defeated Cerúndolo sealing the victory with a defining 7-5 and reaching the semifinals of the Argentina Open.
