The Rio Open 2025 is generating excitement as top-tier talent descends upon the Jockey Club Brasileiro, competing fiercely to advance to the semi-finals. Among the notable matches are those featuring the tournament's top seed, Alexander Zverev, and Argentine standouts like Francisco Cerundolo, who has been impressive this week, sailing through the quarter-finals.
On February 20, 2025, the quarter-finals began with Zverev, facing off against Argentine Francisco Comesana. This match marks Zverev’s return to South America for the first time in three years, and he showed confidence beforehand. "I don’t know much about him, to be honest," Zverev remarked, noting Comesana’s potential after his strong performance against Andrey Rublev at Wimbledon. The German player is eager to find his rhythm, stating, "I feel like I’m finding my rhythm more and more."
Meanwhile, Cerundolo continued his excellent form by defeating Italy’s Luciano Darderi, replicatively cementing his mastery over him after also prevailing last week at the Buenos Aires Open. Cerundolo's match concluded with surprising intensity: he snatched victory with scores of 6-7(1) 6-3 6-2 after losing the first set, showcasing his resilience. "I'm super happy. I was a little pissed when I lost the first set because I didn’t have 100 per cent energy," Cerundolo stated after the game. He committed 43 unforced errors, yet managed to achieve 45 winners by tightening his strategy as the match progressed.
The match lasted over two hours and was defined by Cerundolo's ability to overcome early setbacks. After losing the first set, he secured the next two and sealed his quarter-final position, transforming his strategy from aggressive rallies to more calculated plays, pushing forward whenever possible. "I stayed more patient. I worked the point more, went more to the net," he said.
Next on his agenda is Alexandre Muller, who unexpectedly defeated eighth seed Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-5 7-6(5) to set up his own quarter-final challenge against Cerundolo. Cerundolo acknowledged Muller’s prowess, saying, "He’s very physical, is already confident as he won a tournament this year and is dangerous."
Adding to the intrigue of this tournament, lucky losers Jaime Faria and Camilo Ugo Carabelli have both navigated through tough matches to their first tour-level quarter-finals. Their upcoming clash marks the second-ever all-lucky loser quarter-final on the ATP Tour—an achievement only seen once since 1990. Faria battled hard against Spaniard Jaume Munar, winning 6-4 2-6 6-3, making efficient use of his first serves. Both players are poised for career-high rankings—Faria rising to No 87 and Carabelli to No 81.
These remarkable stories add depth to what is already shaping up to be one of the most thrilling narratives of the Rio Open. With Zverev, Cerundolo, Muller, Faria, and Carabelli—all rising through the ranks and putting up formidable performances—the excitement surrounding the outcome of these matches is palpable.
Anticipation builds as Zverev hits the courts tonight to face Comesana, with fans eager to see if he can live up to expectations and reclaim his former glory. This year’s tournament also serves as significant for Zverev, burdened but motivated by his underdog story as he looks to cement his place back atop the rankings.