Francisco Cerundolo secured the biggest title of his career as he produced a superb comeback to beat Tommy Paul in an enthralling men’s singles final at Queen’s.
The Argentine had never won a title above ATP 250 level before and it looked as though his wait would continue when he went a set and a break down against Paul.
But after three hours and two minutes on court – the longest final in Queen’s history – and four missed championship points, a triumphant Cerundolo threw himself to the floor in celebration after a 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-3 victory.
“It’s not easy to speak right now,” an emotional Cerundolo said.
“I want to thank my mum and my dad, they arrived for the last two games.”
He then told BBC TV: “My dad has a phobia of planes. Since I was born, I never travelled with him and he never came to watch me in tournaments.
“He watched me in Buenos Aires one time a year and at the Davis Cup. They just arrived and I just saw them when I went to celebrate.”
A fan favourite at the iconic Queen’s Club this week, Cerundolo delighted the crowds in London with his fierce forehand winners and never-give-up mentality.
Four of his five matches went to a decider as he spent 11 hours 33 minutes on court over the past six days.
It is a second grass-court title for the 27-year-old, who also beat Paul in the final of Eastbourne in 2023.
Paul, champion at Queen’s in 2024, missed the opportunity to defend his title last year because of an abdominal injury and he looked downcast as Cerundolo celebrated the victory on Andy Murray Arena.
“I want to congratulate Francisco and your team. We always seem to have unreal matches and today you were the better player so I am happy for you. Congrats,” Paul said.