Overview
- Top seed Francisco Cerundolo stopped at 6-2, 3-1 down to Thiago Agustin Tirante in the Rio Open second round, handing his compatriot a place in the quarterfinals against Alejandro Tabilo.
- Cerundolo attributed his retirement to a strain in his right lower back, though a separate report described the issue as a right wrist problem, leaving the exact injury unclear.
- He criticized the event’s scheduling, saying his request to play on Thursday was denied after he competed the previous day, citing that Joao Fonseca, Matteo Berrettini and Tomás Martín Etcheverry received rest days.
- The Rio Open responded that no such request was received and said scheduling decisions followed ATP protocols and transparent guidelines.
- Tirante expressed concern for Cerundolo with an on-camera message, while the draw proceeds with few seeded players left and Fonseca positioned as the highest-ranked player remaining.