Cerúndolo finds green shoots at Queen's with the "Massú effect"

Diego Jiménez Rubio | 20 Jun 2026 | 17.32

Fran Cerúndolo triumphs at Queen's. Photo: gettyimages

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Fran Cerúndolo had been too anxious on court for some time, suffering disappointing defeats and showing emotional weakness that cost him important matches. After receiving much criticism for his attitude and struggling greatly in this dangerous cycle, the Argentine is rediscovering joy at the ATP 500 Queen's 2026, where he fought through a very tough match against Nakashima in the semifinals.

He has made history for Argentine tennis by becoming the second player from the country to reach a final on grass at Queen's, following in the footsteps of David Nalbandián. However, he now has the chance to achieve something no other Argentine has in the history of men's tennis, which is winning two tournaments on this surface. The champion at Eastbourne in 2023, he is just one win away from lifting the trophy at Queen's.

🌱 Argentine tennis players finalists at #Queens:

🇦🇷 David Nalbandian - 2012
🇦🇷 Francisco Cerúndolo - 2026 pic.twitter.com/hcyvuWyOKw
— ESPN Tenis (@ESPNtenis) June 20, 2026

Cerúndolo could become the first Argentine in history to win two titles on grass

The whole week has been an emotional rollercoaster, but one thing that is defining and explaining his improvement is the mentoring of Nico Massú, who has embarked on the adventure to assist Fran. The Chilean has vast and successful coaching experience with players like Thiem and Hurkacz, and now he is determined to help the Argentine channel all his ambition positively and push his limits.

The way they communicate on court and the courage Fran is showing to survive tough situations are very promising regarding what this partnership may bring. He awaits an opponent in the grand final, either Paul or Humbert, but something seems to have changed in the tennis and mindset of a player who continues to dream of being a top-10 player someday and winning a significant title.

With grit and heart, Fran Cerundolo reaches another final on one of the toughest surfaces. His talent is immense, we all know that, but he needed to see it himself.

In the past, he would have lost. This week he decided to be someone else and Nico Massú was crucial for…
— Seba Torres (@sntorres7) June 20, 2026