After winning his first grass-court title at Eastbourne three years ago, Cerundolo – who grew up playing on clay courts – did not win a single match on the surface in 2024 and 2025.<\/p>\n
“We don’t have many grass courts back home,” Cerundolo said.<\/p>\n
“The first time I played [on grass was in the Wimbledon qualifiers in 2021].<\/p>\n
“After that I’ve won two grass-court titles, so it’s incredible.”<\/p>\n
His decision to fly to the UK to practise on grass before this year’s tournament has reaped rewards.<\/p>\n
Cerundolo broke first in the opening set but failed to serve it out as momentum stayed with Paul in the tie-break.<\/p>\n
In a tight second set, the players traded breaks and saved multiple break points each before Paul’s level faltered and Cerundolo struck a decisive blow at 5-4 to force a decider.<\/p>\n
Cerundolo broke first in the third set, but his emotions threatened to boil over when he squandered a 40-0 lead on serve and Paul carved out two break-back points.<\/p>\n
The South American let out a huge cry of “vamos” as he clung on to hold, although he was left disgruntled after four championship points went by. <\/p>\n
But at the fifth time of asking, Cerundolo hammered home his 27th winner of the day to finally seal victory.<\/p>\n
“This is the biggest moment of my tennis career by far,” he told BBC TV. <\/p>\n
“Coming from Argentina, winning my first ATP 500 tournament at Queen’s – such a historic event. <\/p>\n
“I would never imagine lifting this trophy in my whole life and now I am the winner, so I am just super happy and proud of myself.”<\/p>\n