"I had to avenge my family," Francisco Cerundolo rejoices after his win against Navone in Bastad

Francisco Cerundolo made a strong start in the ATP tournament in Bastad. The Argentine player dominated his compatriot Mariano Navone (6-3, 6-3) in what seemed like a tricky match.

Having won in Sweden three years ago, Cerundolo had a mission in this match—to avenge his younger brother, Juan Manuel, whom Navone had defeated in the final of the Brunswick Challenger last week (6-3, 7-5).

This served as extra motivation for the world No. 20 as he approached the match, as he explained himself after the game.

"Of course, it’s always tough to play against an Argentine compatriot. Mariano (Navone) is a very good friend of mine, we’re very close. We train together very often in Buenos Aires. It’s always complicated to play against a friend, someone you know so well.

I’m very happy I managed to win. I had to avenge my family because Mariano beat my brother last week—he couldn’t beat both of us in a row!" Cerundolo told ATP media. He will face Damir Dzumhur in the quarterfinals.