Article by Luminița Paul – Published Saturday, February 28, 2026, 7:00 p.m. / Updated Saturday, February 28, 2026, 7:08 p.m.
Argentinian Francisco Cerundolo (27, 19th ATP) commented on the statements of former world number 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas, who said that he does not participate in the clay tournaments in South America because “I never received good offers from there”.
The ATP calendar in February, immediately after the conclusion of the Australian Open, traditionally includes the series of clay tournaments in South America, the so-called Golden Swing.
In 2026, it is composed of the contests from Buenos Aires (ATP 250), Rio de Janeiro (ATP 500) and Santiago (ATP 250), and two of the champions have already been decided, Francisco Cerundolo in Argentina, respectively Thomas Martin Echeverry in Brazil.
Over time, this tournament chain has been accessed by major players, players who feel comfortable on the red surface, or players looking for results to boost their careers. Whatever the reason, it represents a landmark for men's tennis.
Less but for Stefanos Tsitsipas (27 years old, world number 30), who confessed in a recent interview to Clay why he never included the clay competitions in South America in his schedule, even though it is the surface he likes to play and which has brought him major titles – three at Monte Carlo – and a final at Roland Garros (2021).
“I never got good offers from there. When the difference in the financial aspect is large, then you really have no choice but to stick with what supports your career“, he told the quoted source.
I'll be straight and honest: from a financial point of view, it's understandable why I always choose other destinations over South America. All players choose tournaments based on the guarantees they receive. This is how tennis works – Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas: “The Middle East has always been much better in terms of participation guarantees”
“South America didn't offer me a good enough deal to seriously consider. The Middle East has always been much better in terms of participation guarantees. And the tournaments in Europe have provided strong financial incentives. That makes the difference,” Tsitsipas believes.
Stefanos Tsitsipas celebrating the Dubai 2025 title Photo: Guliver/GettyImages
He confessed that that passion in South America is something he thought about, but that if the difference between the offers is big, then you logically choose what helps you. “I would love to play there, it's always been a dream of mine to visit the continent, I've heard great things about it“, said the Greek.
Also, Stef is aware that he has many fans in that part of the Planet. “I can tell from my social media activity and constant interaction with my followers there,” he added.
Francisco Cerundolo: “They can choose what they want, make their schedule how they want”
Francisco Cerundoloworld number 19 and currently the top-ranked South American player in the ATP rankings, was asked during the tournament in Santiago about Stefanos Tsitsipas' statements.
“If they don't want to come, then don't come“, was the short answer of the Argentine, champion this year in Buenos Aires, a dream come true to impose himself in the tournament at home.
“Those who want to play on clay, who want to feel the atmosphere of South America and discover the cities or play tennis differently will come. The others will go to the Middle East or Acapulco“, he emphasized.
Francisco Cerundolo with the Buenos Aires 2025 trophy Photo: Imago Images
Francisco also highlighted the variety of the calendar and the freedom of choice. “They can opt for what they want, make their schedule how they want. The good thing about tennis is the flexibility of the calendar, outside of Grand Slams and Masters 1000s. Otherwise, everyone chooses which 500 or 250 tournaments they want to play, where they feel most comfortable”, concluded Cerundolo.
The tournament in Buenos Aires, for example, one of the oldest – the first edition was contested in 1927 – has been won over time by Carlos Moya, Alex Corretja, Gustavo Kuerten, Juan Carlos Ferrero, David Ferrer, Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem and Carlos Alcaraz. All players with an appetite for clay, but not only, with results on other surfaces as well.
Rio de Janeiro was inaugurated in 2014 by Nadalthen conquered by Ferrer, Thiem, Alcarazand Santiago, old since 1935, had among the winners on Kuerten, Guillermo Coria, Fernando Gonzalez, Gaston Gaudio and as a finalist in 2013 on Rafa Nadalwho was returning from a layoff caused by knee tendinitis and a stomach virus.
