Nicolás Jarry Bows Out of Challenger of Cali to Pucinelli de Almeida

Chilean tennis player Nicolás Jarry bowed out of the Challenger of Cali on October 22, 2026, falling in the round of 16 to Brazil’s Matheus Pucinelli de Almeida in a match that lasted two hours and 18 minutes. Despite holding early leads and commanding advantages in the tiebreak, the former world number 16 struggled with unforced errors and missed opportunities on the Colombian clay.

Jarry Falls to Pucinelli de Almeida in Cali Round of 16

Jarry entered the match ranked 854th in the ATP standings following a six-month absence due to a right elbow injury, having opened his tournament run with a victory over compatriot Tomás Barrios. Against Pucinelli de Almeida, ranked 240th, the Santiago native started aggressively by breaking his opponent’s serve in the opening game. However, the Chilean surrendered his serve in the fourth game and ultimately forced a first-set tiebreak after saving a set point while serving at 4-5.

During the tiebreak, Jarry surged ahead 5-2 before dropping five consecutive points to hand the opening set 7-6(5) to the Brazilian. The natural lack of match fitness after half a year away from competition contributed to erratic shot-making, even as the player relied on his trademark power with the serve and forehand.

Irregularity and Missed Chances Decisive in Straight Sets

The second set followed a similar competitive pattern as the first. Jarry broke in the second game to establish a 2-0 advantage, but immediately relinquished his serve in the next game, allowing Pucinelli de Almeida to level the score. Another crucial service break in the ninth game allowed the Brazilian to serve out the match and secure the 7-6(5), 6-4 victory.

Elsewhere in the tournament draw, Matías Soto, ranked 265th, exited in the second round after a straight-sets defeat to Argentina’s Valerio Aboian by a score of 6-2, 6-2 in just one hour and four minutes.

Rankings Boost and Upcoming Tournaments in Ecuador

Despite the elimination in Cali, Jarry’s return to competitive play yielded immediate benefits for his position on the ATP Tour. The opening-round win propelled the player to the 784th spot in the live rankings.

Looking ahead to the upcoming schedule, Jarry accepted a wild card invitation to participate in the Challenger of Guayaquil in Ecuador. Additionally, the competitor remains on standby for potential wild cards at upcoming challenger events in Lima and Montevideo to determine whether he gains direct entry into the main draws or must contest the qualifying rounds.