Crushing it on Centre Court, Argentine ace Francisco Cerundolo emerged victorious at the Queen's Club Championships in a heart-stopping final against American Tommy Paul. The drama unfolded over an epic three hours and two minutes, with Cerundolo ultimately claiming victory by 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-3 – his first ATP 500 level win to date.
The icing on the cake for Cerundolo was the timely arrival of his parents from Argentina, who landed in London just as their son was serving up a winning ace. A visibly emotional Cerundolo revealed to BBC TV that his father's presence was all the more special given his phobia of flying – and it's not often we see dad on court!
This resolute 27-year-old has shown remarkable grit throughout the tournament, with four out of five matches going the distance. Over six scorching days, he logged an astonishing 11 hours and 33 minutes on court, his blistering forehand leaving the London crowds in awe. Cerundolo's player box was a shrine to Argentine greats, with Diego Maradona's iconic shirt proudly displayed.
Cerundolo's triumph at Queen's is a testament to his hard work, especially considering his clay-court background and earlier struggles on grass. Travelling to the UK early to hone his skills on the lawns appears to have paid dividends – and he becomes the first Argentine to lift this prestigious trophy in the process.
For Paul, who was champion here in 2024 but missed out last year due to injury, it was another "unreal match" against Cerundolo. He offered his congratulations on a truly unforgettable encounter.
Source: BBC Sport