In a stunning upset at the Miami Open, Daniil Medvedev was defeated by Francisco Cerundolo, with the match concluding at 6-0, 4-6, 7-5. This result not only marked a significant moment for Cerundolo but also highlighted Medvedev’s struggles, as he was ranked 10th at the time of the match.
Cerundolo’s victory was particularly noteworthy as it was the first time he faced Medvedev in his career. The match began with an astonishing first set score of 6-0, marking only the second time in Medvedev’s ATP career that he lost a set by such a margin. Reflecting on his performance, Cerundolo stated, “When I was 6-0 up, I didn’t expect it,” showcasing the unexpected nature of his dominance in that set.
The match lasted 2 hours and 17 minutes, during which Cerundolo converted 7 of 12 break point opportunities, demonstrating his aggressive playstyle. In contrast, Medvedev managed to convert 4 of his 8 break point chances, but his overall performance was marred by 41 unforced errors compared to Cerundolo’s 36.
Cerundolo’s resilience was evident as he managed to bounce back after losing the second set 4-6, ultimately clinching the third set 7-5. “I was playing really good, but he was missing a lot,” Cerundolo remarked, indicating that Medvedev’s errors played a crucial role in the match’s outcome.
This defeat was part of a larger trend at the 2026 Miami Open, where Medvedev was one of five Top 10 players to exit the tournament before the Round of 16, signaling a shift in the competitive landscape of the event.
Looking ahead, Cerundolo is set to face Ugo Humbert in the fourth round, while Medvedev will need to regroup and reassess his strategy moving forward. The implications of this match extend beyond just the tournament, as it raises questions about Medvedev’s form and readiness for upcoming challenges.
As the tournament progresses, observers will be keen to see how both players adapt to their next matches, with Cerundolo riding high on confidence and Medvedev seeking to reclaim his footing in the competitive field.