Francisco Cerundolo says he doesn’t consider himself “a slave to tennis” just like Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz's on-court performance and character have attracted thousands of tennis fans from all over the world to him.

Francisco Cerundolo says he doesn’t consider himself “a slave to tennis” just like Carlos Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz and Francisco Cerundolo (via X/The Tennis Letter)

Carlos Alcaraz has had a near-perfect career just in his fifth year in the ATP. The 21-year-old has established himself in the ATP elites since 2022 and has continued to soar in his game. However, Francisco Cerundolo doesn’t adore the kind of success Alcaraz has achieved, as he doesn’t want to be a slave to the sport.

Alcaraz has become the second biggest player in the ATP attracting thousands of fans around the world just after Novak Djokovic. With his style of play and character, fans have fallen in love with Alcaraz on and off the court. That’s a part of the reason Netflix did a documentary on his personal life and achievements.

However, the former World No.1 has had to work harder every tournament to be at his best and win titles. Also, he has been heavily criticized When he fails to perform at his best. Last month, he revealed that he was a little bit carried away in his pursuit to overtake Jannik Sinner at the top of the rankings, and that led to a drop in form.

Cerundolo, who earned his 24th win of the year in Madrid was asked whether he desires the career that Alcaraz enjoys. The Argentine revealed he doesn’t adore it as it comes with its own challenges.

No, I don’t consider myself a slave to tennis, not even close. Obviously, to get where I am, where Carlos is, you have to dedicate many hours and a lot of effort. Sacrifice family, friends, birthdays, barbecues, things from adolescence… but I think in the end, I wouldn’t say everyone, but most of those at the top have done it by their own choice. Maybe some got there because they are gifted and not very fanatical, but most chose this profession, are happy with what they do, and know what needs to be given.

Francisco Cerundolo said via Madrid Open Press

Alcaraz didn’t feature at the Madrid Open due to injury. He’s also in doubt of playing at the Italian Open. His absence in Madrid saw him lose 200 rankings points but maintain his No.3 position in the ATP rankings.

Francisco Cerundolo reached his fourth semi-finals of the year in Madrid

Francisco Cerundolo continued his impressive start to the season at the Madrid Open, where he notched up his 24th win of the year. The Argentine prevailed over Jakub Mensik 3-6, 8-6(5), 6-2 to snap the Miami champion’s nine-match winning streak. The 26-year-old is now currently tied with Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur for the most wins this season.

Francisco Cerundolo (via X/Madrid Open)
Francisco Cerundolo (via X/Madrid Open)

He defeated Alexander Zverev for the third consecutive time in the tournament and reached the quarter-finals before beating Mensik to get to the semi-finals. This is his fourth semi-finals of the season despite not winning any title. His only final was at the Argentina Open in February where he lost to Joao Fonseca.

The 26-year-old is guaranteed to rise up to No.18 in the ATP rankings on Monday. He faced Casper Ruud in the semi-finals but was beaten by the Norwegian in straight sets.

Francisco Cerundolo reveals his goal for the season after breaking into the Top 20

Francisco Cerundolo is set to return to the Top 20 after the Madrid Open. The Argentine has been one of the consistent players on tour this season despite not having any title to show for it. He revealed during his press conference at the Madrid Open that he didn’t have ranking goals this season.

Francisco Cerundolo Madrid Open 2025
Francisco Cerundolo (image via X)

This year, I didn’t set ranking goals or anything, just personal goals to improve physically, mentally, and in tennis. I think my team and I are on the right path, and this is a reward for what we’ve been doing since the beginning of the year, returning to the top 20.

Francisco Cerundolo said

Cerundolo had a chance to be at the Madrid Open final ahead of his semi-final clash against Casper Ruud. The Argentine, despite holding a 5-3 lead in their head-to-head meetings and having won in straight sets in their last meeting in Miami last year, couldn’t get past Ruud.

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