In a stunning display of skill and determination, Argentine tennis player Francisco Cerúndolo defeated fifth-seed Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-2 on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, securing a spot in the quarterfinals of the Miami Open at the Hard Rock Stadium. This victory marks Cerúndolo's third appearance in the quarterfinals of a Masters 1000 event, following similar successes in Indian Wells and Miami this year.
Cerúndolo, currently ranked 24th in the ATP rankings, showcased an aggressive style of play, breaking Ruud's serve multiple times throughout the match. He established control early, breaking Ruud in the sixth game of the first set and again in the first and fifth games of the second set. The match was interrupted by rain when Cerúndolo was leading 6-4, 5-1, causing a delay of over three hours. When play resumed, Cerúndolo quickly closed out the match, winning the final set 6-2.
"I played a very good match, controlling the flow. We had to stop for the rain, and it's not easy, but I was calm and returned with confidence," Cerúndolo said after the match. He expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, "I think I played great from the serve. Casper is a tough opponent, and I’m very happy to beat him and reach the quarterfinals here again." This win adds to Cerúndolo's impressive record of 16-6 in 2025.
In the upcoming quarterfinals, Cerúndolo will face Bulgarian player Grigor Dimitrov, who defeated American Brandon Nakashima 6-4, 7-5 earlier in the day. Dimitrov, seeded 15th, is known for his elegant style and strong performance on the court, making him a formidable opponent for Cerúndolo.
The atmosphere at the Hard Rock Stadium was electric, with many Argentine fans supporting Cerúndolo, creating a vibrant environment reminiscent of a soccer match. "I love Miami. Since the first time I came here, I felt very comfortable, and there are many Argentine and Latin American fans who come to support me in every match. I enjoy my time off the court, and I think that helps me perform well on it," he added.
On the same day, Novak Djokovic also advanced to the quarterfinals by defeating Lorenzo Musetti 6-2, 6-2. Djokovic, a six-time champion at the Miami Open, is aiming for his 100th career title and a record seventh victory in Miami. "When I play this way, I feel good on the court," Djokovic remarked, reflecting on his performance.
Other notable matches included Alexander Zverev's comeback against Jordan Thompson, winning 7-5, 6-4, and Taylor Fritz's victory over Denis Shapovalov 7-5, 6-3. The tournament, which runs from March 16 to 30, 2025, has showcased a mix of emerging talents and established stars, promising an exciting finish.
Cerúndolo's victory against Ruud is particularly significant as it improves his head-to-head record against the Norwegian to 5-3. The two players previously faced off in the semifinals of the Miami Open in 2022, where Ruud emerged victorious. This time, however, Cerúndolo's performance proved decisive, breaking Ruud's serve five times and capitalizing on the Norwegian's 16 unforced errors.
Reflecting on his journey in the tournament, Cerúndolo noted, "It feels incredible. I’m very happy with this result. Reaching the quarterfinals in two consecutive Masters 1000 events is a significant achievement in my career. I’ve been winning great matches, which is wonderful for my tennis and my confidence."
As Cerúndolo prepares to face Dimitrov, the stakes are high. Both players have demonstrated exceptional skill throughout the tournament, and their upcoming match is highly anticipated. With the support of his fans and his growing confidence, Cerúndolo aims to continue his impressive run at the Miami Open.
Cerúndolo's success is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and he stands as a promising figure in Argentine tennis, following in the footsteps of legends like Juan Martín del Potro, who last reached the quarterfinals of both the Indian Wells and Miami Masters in 2018.
As the tournament progresses, fans are eager to see how Cerúndolo will fare against Dimitrov and whether he can translate his current momentum into further success. The Miami Open continues to be a platform for showcasing the best in tennis, with players like Cerúndolo at the forefront of this thrilling competition.
