RIO DE JANEIRO/STARNBERG, February 22, 2025
Francisco Comesana pulled off the biggest win of his career on Friday night, defeating World No. 2 and tournament’s top seed Alexander Zverev in a thrilling three-set battle to advance to the semi-finals of the Rio Open presented by Claro.
The 24-year-old Argentine, who was trailing in the final set, staged a remarkable comeback, winning five consecutive games to defeat the German 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
The win marks the biggest triumph of Comesana’s career. Last year, he upset Andrey Rublev, then ranked World No. 6, at Wimbledon and Ugo Humbert, then ranked World No. 17, at the US Open. Reflecting on his achievement, the Mar del Plata native shared his emotions after the match.
OUT. OF. THIS. WORLD.
Comesana with a magical moment at the #RioOpen! pic.twitter.com/iWGEERxwbt
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) February 22, 2025
“It’s incredible to have three Argentinians in the semi-finals. I’m very happy with today’s victory,” said Comesana. “I tried to enjoy every second of the day. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, and I just wanted to play my best tennis. I have no idea when I’ll have another chance to play against a top player like Zverev.”
“I love tennis and am very grateful to be a professional. I try to enjoy everything as much as I can,” the World No. 86 added.
Despite his disappointment at letting a final-set lead slip away, Zverev was highly impressed by the tournament and his experience in Rio de Janeiro.
“This is one of the most beautiful ATP 500 tournaments I’ve ever played, for sure. It’s incredible. This place is amazing, the city is amazing,” said Zverev. “Of course, it wasn’t the level I wanted to show on court, but I enjoyed my time, especially here in Rio. I had a great experience, and I hope to come back and do better.”
In the semi-finals, Comesana will face France’s Alexandre Muller, the only player in the tournament yet to drop a set. Muller continued his strong form by defeating No. 4 seed Francisco Cerundolo 7-5, 6-1 in one hour and 16 minutes.
“It was a great match. I was very confident throughout and managed to impose my game,” said Muller. “I know I’m the only non-Argentinian left in the semi-finals, but I’m ready to go all the way, and I hope I can do it.”
Argentines Sebastian Baez and lucky loser Camilo Ugo Carabelli round out the final four.
