Francisco Cerundolo’s breakout 2022 season hit a new milestone on Sunday at the Nordea Open in Bastad, where the Argentine defeated countryman Sebastian Baez to clinch his maiden ATP Tour title.
Cerundolo’s early season form saw him break the Top 100 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings for the first time in February and reach his first ATP Masters 1000 semi-final in March. Last week in Sweden, he upset top seed Casper Ruud for his first Top 10 win and also defeated Pedro Sousa, Aslan Karatsev and Pablo Carreno Busta to take the title at the clay-court ATP 250 event. The triumph lifted the 23-year-old to a career-high No. 30 on Monday.
ATPTour.com caught up with Cerundolo after his win over Baez to find out what the victory means for the in-form Argentine.
Cerundolo Overcomes Baez For Maiden Tour Title In Bastad
What does it mean to you to win your first ATP Tour title?
To win my first title is amazing. It feels fantastic and it is a dream come true. I’m really happy because I played a really good week, some amazing matches, with good wins against very tough players. So I’m very proud of myself.
Could you take a moment to acknowledge some of the key figures in your life and career who have helped you to reach this milestone?
My family is important in my tennis and my life because my parents are both coaches. They have an academy in Buenos Aires, so I think tennis is a big part of my family. They helped me a lot since I was a kid. I chose to play tennis myself, they did not [force] me, but after I made that decision, they helped me a lot.
My family and my friends are key in my life, because they give me stability when I am away, and it is fantastic to go back home to be with them to not feel like a tennis player.
How would you describe yourself as a player, and how would you describe yourself off the court?
As a player I like to play aggressive, like to dictate with my forehand. I think everyone notices that. I also can defend really well, but my most important element is to be aggressive.
Off court, I think I am a chill person. Relaxed, not stressed, and really happy. I like to study, but mostly a relaxed person who doesn’t get stressed with everything.
You and your brother Juan Manuel Cerundolo now have one ATP Tour title each. Are you motivated by each other’s success?
It’s really nice that I have tied my brother with one ATP title now. I think…
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