Francisco Cerundolo couldn’t build on his success from last week, falling short of maintaining his momentum after securing his fourth ATP title.
The world number 19 arrived in Rio de Janeiro hoping to carry that form forward and started with a first-round win over Mariano Navone. However, things took a turn in the second round when he was forced to retire against Thiago Agustin Tirante.
Francisco Cerundolo questions Rio Open after early exit
Cerundolo was trailing 6-2, 3-1 in the second round when he had to pull out due to a lower back problem.
He later criticised the tournament organisers for not granting his request for a day off, saying that playing on consecutive days may have contributed to his injury.
The 27-year-old also suggested the event may have favoured Brazilian players. He noted that Joao Fonseca, the only remaining home player in the singles draw, had been given a rest day after his first-round match.
“I didn’t expect to have to play two matches back-to-back between yesterday and today,” Cerundolo told media after losing to Fonseca.
“I made the request so they wouldn’t schedule me like this, but they didn’t give me even a single chance. I can already imagine who they prioritize…”
Cerundolo has since pulled out of the doubles tournament in Rio, where he was due to play alongside Francisco Comesana.
Joao Fonseca handed golden chance to shine after Francisco Cerundolo injury exit
With Cerundolo suggesting that the Rio Open were prioritising Fonseca, the Brazilian number one has now been given a big opportunity following the top seed’s exit from the tournament.
Fonseca had lost both his matches prior to the Rio Open this year, before winning his first round match against his compatriot Thiago Monteiro.
The 19-year-old now finds himself in a prime position, as Fonseca is now the only seeded player remaining in his half of the draw.
Fonseca is actually one of only two seeds in the entire Rio Open this year, with eighth-seeded Tomas Martin Etcheverry still going strong in the bottom half of the draw.
Looking to make the most of this opening, Fonseca will next face close friend Ignacio Buse after having an extra day to recover between rounds.
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