Francisco Cerúndolo rallied from a set and a break down to defeat American Tommy Paul 6-7 (4), 6-4, 6-3 in the longest Queen's Club final in history, lasting three hours and two minutes. The victory, secured on his sixth match point, is the biggest title of the Argentine's career.
Father's Day inspiration
Cerúndolo dedicated the win to his father, Alejandro, who overcame a fear of flying to attend the match. "It is the first time my dad takes a flight and it's the first time he has watched me outside Argentina," Cerúndolo said. "I want to congratulate my dad for taking a plane. It's Father's Day, so this is for him." He revealed that his father had been undergoing therapy to address his phobia, and the family only believed he would travel once he boarded the plane.
Record-breaking final
The match surpassed the previous Queen's Club final record of two hours and 57 minutes set by Marin Cilic and Novak Djokovic in 2018. Cerúndolo's forehand was a key weapon, producing 27 winners. The Argentine saved two break points in the third set and fought off five match points before clinching the title with an overhead smash.
Match dynamics
Paul, who had not dropped a set all week, started erratically, allowing Cerúndolo an immediate break. Cerúndolo played sublime tennis until he was broken while serving for the first set at 5-4, eventually losing the tie-break. After Paul broke to lead 3-2 in the second set, Cerúndolo broke back twice to level the match. In the deciding set, Cerúndolo broke at 3-2 and held on despite a late surge from Paul.
Looking ahead to Wimbledon
With Carlos Alcaraz injured, Novak Djokovic aged 39, and Alexander Zverev yet to win a grass-court title, Cerúndolo's victory positions him as a potential contender at Wimbledon. However, top seed Jannik Sinner remains the favorite. Cerúndolo's powerful forehand, particularly effective in the hot London conditions, could prove decisive.
Paul was gracious in defeat, stating, "We always seem to have unreal matches and today you were the better player." Cerúndolo's triumph marks a significant milestone in his career, as he becomes the first Argentine to win the Queen's Club title since David Nalbandian in 2002.
