Francisco Cerúndolo

Since his debut on the professional circuit, Francisco Cerúndolo has carved out a path defined by discipline, sustained effort, and a deep love for tennis. It’s no coincidence that he comes from a sports-oriented family: his father, Alejandro Cerúndolo, was a tennis coach, and his younger brother, Juan Manuel, has also made a name for himself on the ATP Tour. But in Francisco, that legacy has taken on its own intense and, above all, determined direction.

Early days: a racket as a natural extension

Born on August 13, 1998, in Buenos Aires, Francisco grew up surrounded by tennis. While many athletes stumble into their sport, for Francisco, it was practically embedded in his upbringing. He spent his formative years training at Club Náutico Hacoaj and Club Ferrocarril Oeste, switching briefly between tennis and soccer before the choice became obvious. Tennis wasn’t just a sport — it was a lifestyle.

He often recalls that his main inspiration wasn’t a foreign star, but rather the environment in which he was raised. Watching his father coach and being around the courts taught him to value routine, repetition, and the mental side of competition from an early age.

Career growth: a ladder built without shortcuts

Though his pro debut came in 2018, it was in 2021 when Francisco truly broke into the spotlight. He reached the final of the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires as a lucky loser — an unusual and attention-grabbing feat. The following year, he secured his first ATP title in Bastad, Sweden, and in 2023, he broke into the ATP top 20, peaking at world no. 19.

Francisco’s game is known for a strong forehand, sharp movement, and a tactical approach. But it’s his consistency off the court that fuels his progress: long training blocks, constant travel, commitment to adjusting his game for different surfaces, and a mindset that absorbs lessons from both victories and defeats.

Support system: family, education, and values

Every athlete needs a solid foundation, and Cerúndolo has built one thoughtfully. He studied at the University of South Carolina, balancing collegiate competition with academic growth. That U.S. college experience refined his game, expanded his mental maturity, and exposed him to a different kind of pressure — one that helped him later handle the demands of the ATP tour.

His relationship with his brother Juan Manuel adds another layer. Though they differ in playing style, they share tours, practices, and a healthy sense of competitiveness that helps both evolve in a sport often marked by isolation.

Passion as a way of life

Francisco Cerúndolo stands out not just for his rankings or match wins but for how he approaches the sport on a daily basis. He doesn’t skip practice days. Every match matters. He treats every tournament as a new chance to test himself. Passion, for him, isn’t just about excitement — it’s about routine, sacrifice, and an almost monastic dedication to improvement.

Interestingly, despite being based in a sport that gravitates toward European hubs, Cerúndolo still chooses to return to Buenos Aires whenever possible. He trains with his local team, stays close to his roots, and cultivates the personal environment that has fueled his rise.

Projection and identity: a name to watch

With over 20 ATP match wins in each of the last two seasons, Cerúndolo has moved beyond the “promising prospect” label. His performances in Grand Slams — particularly at Roland Garros and the US Open — have solidified his standing as a serious competitor. He doesn’t enter matches to fill the draw. He shows up to compete, to problem-solve, and to grow.

He’s often praised for his calm under pressure and for the way he navigates matches with a clear plan. Analysts see in him a player built for the long haul — someone who may not always grab headlines but who keeps climbing, year after year, by doing the work others overlook.