Rublev Loses to Serundolo in Paris Masters Second Round

Russian Falls to Rising Argentine

World No. 7 Andrey Rublev's hopes of a strong finish to the season were dashed on Wednesday as he suffered a disappointing defeat to rising Argentine Francisco Cerundolo in the second round of the Paris Masters. Cerundolo, ranked 29th in the world, produced a stunning performance to prevail 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 35 minutes.

Rublev, who won the title in Marseille earlier this year, struggled to find his rhythm throughout the match. The Russian made too many unforced errors and was unable to break Cerundolo's serve. Cerundolo, on the other hand, played with confidence and aggression, hitting 22 winners to Rublev's 14.

Missed Opportunities Prove Costly

Rublev had a chance to break back in the eighth game of the second set when he earned a break point, but Cerundolo saved it with a forehand winner. The Argentine then held his serve to take a 5-3 lead, putting Rublev under immense pressure.

Rublev saved two match points in the ninth game, but Cerundolo eventually sealed the victory with a backhand winner down the line. The win marked Cerundolo's first victory over a top-10 player and was a significant milestone in his career.

The defeat for Rublev will be a disappointment, but the Russian will have a chance to bounce back at the ATP Finals in Turin next week. Cerundolo, meanwhile, will face Karen Khachanov in the third round of the Paris Masters.