Stefanos Tsitsipas suffers worst ranking since teenage years after Monte Carlo loss to Francisco Cerundolo
ATPMonday, 06 April 2026 at 18:07
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.
Both players entered Monte Carlo off encouraging results in Miami, where Cerundolo defeated Daniil Medvedev and Tsitsipas beat Alex de Minaur. On clay, however, Cerundolo’s heavier groundstrokes and tolerance in rallies proved more effective.
Tsitsipas faces sustained ranking pressure
For Tsitsipas, the defeat reflects a broader trend. After winning all three of his singles matches at the United Cup, he has compiled a 6-8 record in ATP Tour events, with his best result being a quarterfinal appearance in Doha. His Davis Cup wins came against opponents ranked No. 222 and 818, offering limited indication of competitive form at the highest level.
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Monte Carlo had been one of his most reliable tournaments. Since 2021, Tsitsipas held a 20-2 record at the event prior to this loss, reaching at least the quarterfinals in each of his last five appearances. His three titles place him alongside Ilie Nastase, Bjorn Borg and Thomas Muster, though still well behind Rafael Nadal’s record of 11.
The short-term outlook remains challenging. Tsitsipas sits at No. 42 in the ATP Race and heads next to the Barcelona Open, where he defends quarterfinal points. An early exit there would result in a further ranking drop of at least 10 positions, increasing the likelihood of a prolonged stay outside the Top 50.
Cerundolo advances to the second round, where he will face Tomas Machac, who defeated Daniel Altmaier 4-6, 6-1, 6-3, carrying momentum from one of the most relevant wins of his season.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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