BUENOS AIRES/STARNBERG, October 12, 2023
Juan Manuel Cerundolo keeps the hope alive to defend his title at the Challenger de Buenos Aires, an ATP Challenger Tour 100 clay-court event organized by the company Torneos and taking place until October 15 at the Racket Club de Palermo.
An incredible comeback allowed the Argentine to triumph in three sets against Italian Andrea Pellegrino on Wednesday, advancing to the quarterfinals. With the sets tied, Pellegrino managed to lead 4-1 and 40-0. However, Cerundolo’s consistency, his opponent’s errors, and a bit of luck during crucial points contributed to the defending champion’s comeback. The World No. 102 secured the 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory in two hours and four minutes.
💫 Una celebración acorde a la épica de un triunfo memorable
🎾 @juanmacerundolo superó a Pellegrino después de levantar un 1-4, 0-40 con el saque de su rival para sellar la victoria por 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
🔜 Rival en cuartos: Luciano Darderi pic.twitter.com/O206vWdyeY
— Challenger de Buenos Aires (@ChallengerBA) October 11, 2023
“There are matches where you do everything right, and others where you need a stroke of luck. I was playing well, but he came back and was on the edge of winning. I thank my friends; they helped me a lot to win the match,” said Cerundolo.
The No. 2 seed will next face Luciano Darderi of Italy, who fought past fifth-seeded Czech Vit Kopriva 6-3, 4-6, 6-4 after two hours and 47 minutes.
WEDNESDAY RESULTS
First Round – Singles
(LL) Gastao Elias (POR) def. (4) Marcelo Tomás Barrios Vera (CHI) 4-6, 6-2, 7-5
Franco Agamenone (ITA) def. (6) Alejandro Tabilo (CHI) 6-4, 3-6, 7-5
Second Round – Singles
(2) Juan Manuel Cerúndolo (ARG) def. (SE) Andrea Pellegrino (ITA) 6-2, 4-6, 6-4
(7) Francisco Comesaña (ARG) def. Jozef Kovalik (SVK) 6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-4
Luciano Darderi (ITA) def. (5) Vit Kopriva (CZE) 6-3, 4-6, 6-4
(3) Facundo Díaz Acosta (ARG) def. Renzo Díaz Olivo (ARG) 6-3, 6-4
🎾 Sigue la acción en el #ChallengerBA: ya salió el orden de juego de este jueves
🎫 Entradas disponibles: https://t.co/CHvRUWuGff pic.twitter.com/5SOKHtXGxj
— Challenger de Buenos Aires (@ChallengerBA) October 11, 2023
