Cerúndolo Retires Due to Injury, Zverev Advances in Toronto
francisco Cerúndolo has retired from his match against Alexander Zverev at the Toronto Masters 1000 due to an injury. The Argentine player showed clear signs of discomfort throughout the first set, impacting his serve speed and power. Zverev, who went on to win the first set 6-4 and break Cerúndolo’s serve at the start of the second, advanced to the quarterfinals.The match saw an unusual moment in the ninth game when Zverev approached Cerúndolo at the umpire’s chair during a changeover. The two players, who share a good relationship, spoke briefly. Zverev later revealed in a post-match interview that he advised cerúndolo to prioritize his long-term health over playing through the pain for the crowd.
“Francisco is not only a great player who had already beaten me three times; he is an excellent person,” Zverev stated. “It is a shame that he has been injured, and just at this time of the season.Many times it happens that we, the professional tennis players, feel the obligation to play for the people who come to see us. But when these things happen, you have to be vrey cold.Continuing to play with an injury can keep you off the courts for about two months. Therefore, what I advised him was not to play for people, but for himself, thinking about what was best, taking into account the tournaments that are coming.”
Cerúndolo’s retirement marks a setback for the Argentine,who has had a strong season,reaching the final of the ATP 250 in Buenos aires,and semifinals in Madrid,Munich,Santiago,and bastad. He is currently ranked 24th in the world.He is expected to undergo further medical evaluations to determine the extent of his injury.
Zverev will face Australia’s Alexei Popyrin in the quarterfinals. Popyrin secured his spot by defeating Holger Rune. Other notable quarterfinalists include Karen Khachanov, who advanced after defeating Casper Ruud.
