Advertising

Francisco Comesana’s first three attempts to earn a tour-level win this year came up short during February’s Golden Swing across South America.

Having gained main-draw entry into Wimbledon following a Top 100 breakthrough this spring, Comesana attempted to qualify at one grass-court event in preparation for his major debut—ultimately falling to world No. 245 Charles Bloom in Eastbourne. Before that, he dropped three consecutive challenger-level matches on clay.

Comesana completed the stunning performance with 46 total winners (to 38 unforced errors).

Comesana completed the stunning performance with 46 total winners (to 38 unforced errors).

Advertising

On Tuesday, the 23-year-old stepped up to produce a career-defining moment on the All England Club's fabled No.2 Court. In just under three hours, Comesana knocked out sixth-ranked Andrey Rublev, 6-4, 5-7, 6-2, 7-6 (5).

Currently ranked No. 122, Comesana saved eight of the 10 break points he faced and was propelled by 21 aces. He staved off set point at 4-5 in the fourth before taking a 5-3 lead in the ensuing tiebreak. Though that lead vanished, Rublev misjudged his opponent’s change of pace to net his backhand slice reply down match point to end the encounter.

“I dreamed to play here. I’m so happy. I don’t know what to say now,” an ecstatic Comesana told the crowd afterwards.

Rublev has now suffered losses to two opponents ranked outside the Top 100 since capturing the Mutua Madrid Open crown.

Rublev has now suffered losses to two opponents ranked outside the Top 100 since capturing the Mutua Madrid Open crown.

Advertising

Before this year, Rublev owned a 19-8 record on grass with two Halle runner-up showings and a quarterfinal appearance at the London-based major in 2023. But he’s dropped three consecutive matches dating back to his third-round exit at the French Open to Matteo Arnaldi and will likely exit the Top 10 followjng the tournament's completion.

As for Comesana, he gets another first-time major match winner in his quest to advance further. Adam Walton looks to defeat successive Argentineans following his 6-3, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Federico Coria.