Home is where the heart is for Francisco Cerundolo, and tennis is the core of that home. Currently ranked No. 31 in the ATP Rankings, Francisco has always been surrounded by racquets and balls. With a career-high ranking of 19, he’s making significant strides as he heads into the Australian Open. What fuels his drive? Growing up in a household where sports were a constant topic of conversation has undoubtedly shaped his journey.

In the heart of Buenos Aires, tennis is a way of life for the Cerundolo family. Just five blocks from the Buenos Aires Lawn Tennis Club, Francisco lives with his parents and siblings in a home they affectionately call a “locker room,” where sports discussions are a daily ritual. Starting tennis at five, Francisco was influenced by his parents, who run a local academy for 40 years. He looks up to his father Alejandro as a hero—a former professional player who has coached both him and notable athletes like Mercedes Paz and Jose Acasusso.

Speaking in an interview with SportsEd in 2023, Alejandro detailed Francisco’s experience coming through the ranks: “Fran played everything, and everything means all: Junior cups, interclub always, underrated tournaments in all youth stages, money tournaments, and future qualifying.” This diverse exposure laid the groundwork for the player’s future success. And he wasn’t the only influence.

Alongside Alejandro, his mother, Maria Luz Cerundolo plays an equally important part. As a former tennis player and a qualified psychologist specializing in sports psychology, she keeps the family dynamic balanced. Whenever she can, Maria travels the world with her children, supporting their athletic dreams. With two tennis players and an international hockey star in the mix, each sibling has their own unique personality. Through it all, Maria ensures they stay grounded and fosters harmony at home

Francisco Cerundolo’s journey in tennis hasn’t always been easy. In 2021, he started ranked No. 341 and faced many challenges on the ITF World Tennis Tour. Everything changed during his stunning debut at the ATP tournament in Cordoba, where he won eight consecutive matches to clinch his first ATP title. Meanwhile, his brother Juan Manuel was also making waves, expressing pride in Francisco’s success: “He deserved it more than any other player that qualified.”

By 2023, Francisco’s trajectory soared as he reached the semifinals at the Miami Open, becoming the lowest-ranked player ever to achieve this feat. This career-altering moment solidified his place among tennis elites. Competing alongside Juan Manuel added an emotional layer to their achievements; they became the first brothers since Alexander Zverev and Mischa Zverev to reach the third round at an ATP Masters 1000 event together in 2018.

As Francisco continues to rise through the ranks in tennis, he remains grounded by his family’s unwavering support. Their shared passion for the sport fuels his ambition. Coming into the 2025 Australian Open, the 26-year-old seems pumped to make some noise.

Francisco’s run at the 2025 Australian Open so far

In the first round of the 2025 Australian Open on January 14, Francisco Cerundolo showcased his skills by defeating Kazakh player Alexander Bublik with a solid score of 7-6(1), 6-3, 6-2. He advanced to the second round where Facundo Diaz Acosta had to retire while Cerundolo was leading 6-2, 1-0. This unexpected turn of events propelled the Argentine, ranked No. 31, into the third round, where he is set to face off against home favorite Alex de Minaur.

This matchup could be a tough challenge for Cerundolo, who wants to make a mark in this Grand Slam. Previously, he has reached the third round at the Australian Open in both 2023 and this year. His best Grand Slam performance came at the French Open, where he advanced to the fourth round in both 2023 and 2024. With three ATP 250 titles under his belt—two on clay and one on grass—he has proven his versatility on different surfaces. However, facing an eighth seed is no easy task.

The two players have never met on the ATP circuit, so it’s hard to predict how their first encounter will unfold. While de Minaur is favored due to his ranking and home advantage, Cerundolo’s family support and experience could play a crucial role in his performance. Could Francisco pull off a surprise upset against de Minaur?