Cerundolo Rises to the Challenge: ‘Sinner Will Test My Limits’
The Argentine star sets his sights on World No. 2 Jannik Sinner for a spot in the quarter-finals in Paris.
October 30, 2025
Photo by Benjamin Vodant/Getty Images
Francisco Cerundolo holds a 4-6 record against Top-10 players in 2025.
By ATPTour.com/es Staff
“I have the capability to go toe-to-toe with the elite,” Francisco Cerundolo told ATPTour.com earlier this year.
The Argentine has been on an impressive trajectory, breaking into the Top 20 of the PIF ATP Rankings with a 4-4 record against Top 10 players and reaching at least the quarter-finals in three of the first four ATP Masters 1000 events (Indian Wells, Miami, and Madrid).
However, an abdominal injury that forced him to retire against Alexander Zverev in the round of 16 in Toronto momentarily shook his confidence. The silver lining is that Cerundolo feels rejuvenated this week at the Rolex Paris Masters, just in time to face off against the formidable World No. 2, Jannik Sinner.
“The first half of the year was fantastic. I was competing at a high level and maintaining consistency. Then came the mental and physical dip, which often happens after an intense start to the season,” said Cerundolo, who has already triumphed over Damir Dzumhur and Miomir Kecmanovic in Paris. “Now I feel like I’m back to playing great tennis.”
When Cerundolo is on his game, his opponents have every reason to be wary; he boasts 5 career victories against Top 5 players, including two wins against then-No. 2 Zverev earlier this year in Buenos Aires and Madrid. With a 15-18 overall record against Top-10 players, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, he’s making his mark even before entering the realm of the Top 15.
One of those victories was against Sinner, who will be his opponent on Thursday in Paris. Cerundolo managed to secure a win over the Italian in Rome 2023 when Sinner was ranked No. 8 and the crowd was firmly behind him. Yet, Cerundolo is adept at maintaining focus in high-pressure situations.
“I often perform well against the top players,” he mentioned in a prior interview. “Subconsciously, I understand that competing against tougher opponents requires me to minimize any advantages they may have, whether physical, mental, or technical. This awareness keeps my focus sharp throughout the match.”
This Thursday evening in Paris will be no exception, as he aims to equal their Lexus ATP Head2Head series at 3-3.
“Regardless of the outcome, I must bring my A-game,” Cerundolo, currently ranked World No. 21, said on Wednesday. “He’s undoubtedly one of the best in the world, alongside Carlos [Alcaraz]. They’ve been dominating the tour consistently for the past two to three years. This is going to be a remarkable test for me, and I hope to play brilliantly, as he’ll definitely demand everything from me. I need to be fully prepared.”
“He’s currently the best ball-striker on tour. He can manipulate the ball incredibly well on either side, so I can’t allow him to find his rhythm. I need to serve effectively, play aggressively, and dictate play whenever I can because he will certainly push me to my limits. I’m up against the best player in the world in an indoor setting.”
