Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a significant setback at the Monte-Carlo Masters, losing in the opening round for the first time in eight appearances at the event. The three-time champion was beaten 7-5, 6-4 by 16th seed Francisco Cerundolo, ending one of the most consistent records at the tournament in recent years.
The defeat reinforces a difficult start to the 2026 season for the Greek, who opened the year strongly at the United Cup but has struggled to maintain consistency at tour level. Tsitsipas arrived in Monte Carlo with a 22-4 career record at the event, including titles in 2021, 2022 and 2024, making the early exit a clear deviation from his usual performance on clay.
Cerundolo, by contrast, continues to build momentum. The Argentine improved to 15-6 on the season, having won the Buenos Aires title in February and reached the round of 16 at the Australian Open. The victory also marked his first win over Tsitsipas in three meetings, reversing their previous encounters on indoor hard courts in late 2024.
The result carries immediate ranking consequences. Tsitsipas, currently ranked No. 48, is projected to fall to around No. 65 in the live rankings, with further drops possible depending on results this week. It would represent his lowest ranking since March 2018, when he was beginning his rise on the ATP Tour and spending his first weeks inside the Top 100 at just 19 years old.
Cerundolo holds firm in decisive phases
The match was shaped by execution in key moments, with Cerundolo maintaining greater consistency across both sets. In the opening set, the Argentine secured a late break to take it 7-5, capitalising on errors from Tsitsipas during extended rallies and showing control from the baseline.
In the second set, Cerundolo built a double-break lead but was briefly pulled back as Tsitsipas recovered one break. The Greek threatened to extend the contest, but Cerundolo responded by reasserting control in longer exchanges and limiting errors, closing out the match in straight sets.
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