The night shift opened to an Argentine duel as the country’s top ranked player, Francisco Cerúndolo (22nd ATP singles ranked), took on Facundo Diaz Acosta (87). However, it was the gold medalist at the Santiago 2023 Panamericans who shocked his much favored countrymen, winning 7-6 (3), 6-0.

The first set was hotly contested. Diaz Acosta took the lead early, breaking Cerúndolo’s serve, but the game quickly became chaotic, with both players trading blows and breaks. Their closely matched styles, with both players able to defend for long stints, meant they required a tie-break to decide it, with Diaz Acosta taking it 7-6 (3).

In the second set, Diaz Acosta took advantage of an increasingly erratic and frustrated Cerúndolo, who vented his anger, smashing his racket on the floor. With hardly any opposition, Diaz Acosta built a commanding........

© Buenos Aires Herald