Focused and consistent in his Båstad opener, Francisco Cerúndolo comfortably defeated fellow Argentine Mariano Navone in straight sets (6-3, 6-3), advancing to an ATP Tour quarterfinal for the 30th time in his career — and the 8th time this season — proving he’s back in form and ready for bigger challenges, following recent early exits at Wimbledon, Halle, and Roland Garros.

In the second round of the Nordea Open, the 2022 Båstad champion faced a fellow countryman in what turned into a one-sided Argentine battle. Cerúndolo made a shaky and somewhat passive start, facing five break points in just the second game — one of which Navone capitalized on to go up 2-0. But Cerúndolo responded immediately, breaking back to 2-1 and kickstarting his comeback. With a confident hold and a second consecutive break (converting 40% of break points versus Navone’s 20%), the top seed took the lead at 3-2. He then withstood Navone’s pressure, constructing points patiently and securing a two-game cushion at 4-2.

A love game from Navone briefly injected some intrigue into the match, but Cerúndolo remained in control. With powerful forehand winners, he surged to 5-3. A backhand winner on Navone’s serve brought up set point, and Cerúndolo seized the opportunity, closing out the set 6-3.

The second set began with more drama for Cerúndolo, but his blend of net cords and forehand winners landing at 190 km/h on Navone’s baseline gave him an early edge. Ranked No. 20 in the world, Cerúndolo hit 23 winners in the match, while Navone managed only 8. His net play (winning all 4 points at the net) and persistence with backhand winners helped him reach break point at 2-1. A double fault from Navone — one of four in the match — gifted Cerúndolo the break for 3-1. With 29 unforced errors and erratic shot execution, the World No. 75 made Cerúndolo’s path to 4-1 relatively easy.

Navone showed late resistance, producing incredible defensive shots when Cerúndolo served for the match, but it was too late. The 26-year-old remained flawless in closing moments and wrapped up the second set 6-3.

In the quarterfinals, Francisco Cerúndolo — now the second player after Carlos Alcaraz to reach 20 wins on clay in the 2025 season — will face the winner of the match between Hugo Gaston and Damir Dzumhur, in what promises to be a fiery showdown on Båstad’s Centre Court.

Båstad, Achilleas Tsakalidis