Cerundolo wins biggest title of career at Queen's as parents fly in just in time

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.

Cerundolo won the coin toss and chose to receive - a decision that paid off as he broke Paul's serve in the very first game.

But the Argentine tightened up as he tried to serve out the opener, and four successive unforced errors allowed Paul to break back for 5-5.

The momentum stayed with Paul in the tie-break, with a delicate drop shot helping him to a mini-break before a Cerundolo double fault gifted him the set.

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.

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.

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.

But at the fifth time of asking, Cerundolo hammered home his 27th winner of the day to finally seal victory.

"This is the biggest moment of my tennis career by far," he told BBC TV.

"Coming from Argentina, winning my first ATP 500 tournament at Queen's - such a historic event.

"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."