<p>The three-time Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters champion suffered a brutal exit on Sunday. Stefanos Tsitsipas, seeded but far from his best level, fell to Francisco Cerundolo in straight sets (5-7, 4-6) in the opening round of the Monaco tournament. A defeat that marks a turning point in the Greek's already difficult season.</p>

<p>It was a first. In eight appearances at Monte Carlo, Tsitsipas had never lost in the opening round. The player who had won three consecutive titles in the Principality between 2021 and 2023 is now a shadow of his former self. Cerundolo, the 16th seed, controlled the baseline rallies with relentless aggression, leaving no room for the Greek to find his rhythm on the clay.</p>

<p>The numbers tell the story of a dramatic decline. Since the start of the season, Tsitsipas holds a record of just six wins against eight losses on the main tour (according to Tennis.com). His ranking, which was still inside the top 10 two years ago, will now fall below the top 60 barrier, a level he had not seen since April 2018, when he was just 19 years old and climbing the world rankings.</p>

<p>For Cerundolo, it is a confirmation. The Argentine, fresh off a fourth career title claimed in Buenos Aires in February, boasts a solid 15-6 record in 2026. He had already caused a stir at the last Miami Masters by eliminating Daniil Medvedev. At Monte Carlo, he will face Tomas Machac in the second round with ambitions of approaching his career-high ranking.</p>

<p>Tsitsipas's trajectory raises questions. At 27, the Greek should theoretically be in his prime. But since losing his place in the top 10, poor results have piled up. Monte Carlo, his secret garden where he had built part of his legend, no longer offers him shelter. The clay-court season will be decisive if he hopes to turn things around before Roland Garros.</p>