Argentina's Francisco Cerundolo celebrates a point against Italy's Luciano Darderi during their ATP 250 Argentina Open final match in Buenos Aires on February 15, 2026. (Photo: AFP)

Argentine top seed Francisco Cerundolo advanced to the last 16 of the Rio Open with a 6-3, 6-4 win over compatriot Mariano Navone on Tuesday.

World No. 19 Cerundolo won 72 percent of points on first serve and converted four of five break points to prevail in an hour and 32 minutes on the outdoor clay of the Jockey Club Brasileiro.

Navone won 67 percent of points on his first serve but converted just two of 12 break point opportunities.

The result means Cerundolo will meet another Argentine, Thiago Tirante, in the next round of the ATP 500 event.

Cerundolo's brother, Juan Manuel Cerundolo, also progressed with a 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory over second seed Luciano Darderi of Italy.

World No. 78 Cerundolo saved six of eight break points and took nine of 13 points at the net to win in two hours and 17 minutes.