M1000 MADRID. Spain
Argentine player Mariano Navone smiles, pumps his fist, and celebrates as if it were much more than just a debut win at the Mutua Madrid Open. And for good reason—his 6-4, 6-4 victory over the powerful Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard is a crucial step to keep advancing and maintain his spot in the Top 100.
After one hour and 24 minutes of play in the Arantxa Sánchez Stadium—the second most important court at the Caja Mágica—Navone secured his place in the second round, landing 70% of his first serves and winning 81% (30/37) of those points.
To reach the third round, Navone will now face a tough opponent: World No. 13 Ben Shelton, who holds a 9-0 record against Argentine players, the most recent win coming last Saturday in the Munich semifinals against Francisco Cerúndolo.
Meanwhile, Facundo Díaz Acosta earned his first ATP Masters 1000 victory with a 6-4, 6-4 win over Spain’s Pedro Martínez. Comesaña arrived with good rhythm after reaching the final of the ATP Challenger in Oeiras and once again displayed his sharp game, hitting 41 winners and serving 16 aces.
Juan Manuel Cerúndolo came from behind against American Aleksandar Kovacevic, clinching his spot in the second round with a 3-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory. Cheering from the stands was his brother Francisco, who is also competing in the tournament. Next up, the younger Cerúndolo will face 18th seed Felix Auger-Aliassime.
On the other hand, Camilo Ugo Carabelli was defeated by Australian Christopher O’Connell, 6-3, 6-4, in one hour and thirteen minutes.