The Buenos Aires draw dissected the Cerundolo family tree.
In a historic showdown, Argentinean No. 1 Francisco Cerundolo defeated younger brother Juan Manuel Cerundolo 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the Argentina Open quarterfinals.
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The first-ever pro match between the Cerundolo brothers left Francisco with decidedly mixed emotions.
The fifth-seeded Francisco, who broke at love twice in succession seizing a one-set lead, said while he's happy to win the brotherly battle, it's an emotional challenge to face his younger brother and biggest fan.
"It's a tough match to play, honestly," Francisco Cerundolo said. "You never want to face your brother."
Grand Slam doubles champions and twins Mike and Bob Bryan famously defaulted to each other in singles events during their junior days rather than square off on court.
The Cerundolo brothers are just the fourth set of bros this century to square off on the ATP Tour. Olympic gold-medal champion Alexander Zverev played his older brother (and now coach) Mischa Zverev at the 2018 Washington, DC tournament. Former Top 10 player Jurgen Melzer once faced his brother Gerald Melzer before home fans at 2016 Kitzbuhel and the Rochus brothers, Olivier Rochus and Christophe Rochus, squared off twice.
The winners of those brotherly battles—Alexander Zverev, Jurgen Melzer and Olivier Rochus—all enjoyed ATP success and each of them also owns at least one career win over Grand Slam king Novak Djokovic.
Prior to the match, the Cerundolos traded some good-natured trash talk on social media adding some fun fuel to the fire.
“No getting wound up and bothering your opponent tomorrow!” world No. 139 Juan Manuel posted.
That remark prompted older bro Francisco to reply: “Respect your elders, know your place!”
When it ended, the Cerundolo brothers clad in identical crimson shirts, embraced at net.
Both shared their candid reactions on social media with Juan Manuel hoping for a rematch.