In a surprising turn of events at the ATP tournament in Toronto, Argentine player Francisco Cerundolo was forced to retire during his match against Alexander Zverev due to an abdominal strain. Cerundolo, ranked No. 24 in the PIF ATP Rankings, began the evening match sporting kinesiology tape on his abdomen and required medical attention after the fifth game, which hindered his ability to serve effectively.
The retirement occurred early in the second set after Cerundolo had initially shown resilience. In a moment of sportsmanship, Zverev consoled him during the changeover after winning the first set 6-4. Cerundolo’s retirement marks only the third time in his career that he has had to stop play, both instances occurring this season.
With this victory, Zverev, currently ranked No. 3 in the world, progressed to the quarter-finals and now faces defending champion Alexei Popyrin. Zverev’s win improves his record to 38-14 for the year, as he continues his quest for an eighth ATP Masters 1000 title and his second in Canada, having previously won in Montreal in 2017. This also places him ahead of Novak Djokovic in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, marking a significant achievement in his career.
This incident highlights both the physical demands of tennis and the camaraderie among players, as Zverev’s act of support illustrates the sportsmanship that is often present in competitive sports. It serves as a reminder that while athletes strive for victory, the well-being of their peers remains a priority.