Elmer Moller faced a tough challenge at the ATP 250 tournament in Santiago, bowing out in the second round after a decisive loss to top-seeded Argentine Francisco Cerundolo. The match ended with a score of 6-2, 6-2, showcasing Cerundolo’s skill on the clay surface.
Ranked 19th in the world, Cerundolo started strong following a bye in the first round and quickly asserted his dominance over Moller, who is currently ranked 127th. Despite a promising start by Moller, who won the opening game, Cerundolo quickly found his rhythm, winning five consecutive games and breaking Moller’s serve twice. Moller managed to narrow the gap to 2-5, but Cerundolo closed out the first set in just 29 minutes.
The second set saw Cerundolo maintain his pressure, breaking Moller’s serve early on. Although Moller showed some improvement in his performance during this set, he was unable to capitalize on any opportunities, as Cerundolo displayed exceptional composure and did not face any break points. The Argentine ultimately broke Moller’s serve once again, securing his place in the third round.
Moller’s earlier victory against Argentina’s Roman Andres Burruchaga in the first round marked a significant milestone in his career, highlighting his potential as a rising star in the sport. While his journey in Santiago has come to an end, the experience gained from competing against a top player like Cerundolo is likely to benefit Moller as he continues to develop his skills and seeks future opportunities on the ATP tour.