Tommy Paul Claims Queen’s Club Title, Becomes US No. 1Tommy Paul Claims Queen’s Club Title, Becomes US No. 1 American tennis star Tommy Paul secured the championship at the Queen’s Club lawn in London on Sunday, defeating Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 7-6 (8) in the final. This victory marks Paul’s third ATP title. Paul’s triumph makes him the first American to win the prestigious pre-Wimbledon tournament since Sam Querrey in 2010. His name now joins an esteemed group of former American champions, including John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors, and Pete Sampras. “It’s unbelievable to see my name on the wall here alongside those legends,” Paul remarked. “It was always my goal to be among them.” The 13th-ranked Paul will also surpass Taylor Fritz as the new US No. 1. Musetti, ranked No. 30, had previously won both of his previous tour-level finals. However, this was his first appearance in a grass-court final. Paul appeared poised to secure the match when he served for it at 5-4 in the second set. But Musetti fought back, breaking Paul’s serve and forcing a tiebreak. The Italian then held a set point at 7-6, but Paul ultimately prevailed. Paul’s victory at Queen’s Club boosts his confidence ahead of the upcoming Wimbledon Championships. He will be looking to make a strong run at the Grand Slam event, which begins on June 27.
LONDON (AP) — Tommy Paul defeated Lorenzo Musetti to win the final on the Queen’s Club lawn 6-1, 7-6 (8) on Sunday for his third ATP title.
Paul became the first American winner of the pre-Wimbledon tournament since Sam Querrey in 2010, joining a group of former American champions including John McEnroe, Jimmy Connors and Pete Sampras.
“When I walk down the halls here in the locker room and see the names on the wall, it’s unbelievable,” Paul said. “It was always my goal to put my name next to it.”
Thirteenth-placed Paul will also overtake fellow countryman Taylor Fritz to become the new US No. 1.
Musetti, ranked No. 30, had won both of his previous two tour-level finals. This was the Italian’s first final on grass.
Paul looked ready to walk away with the match after serving for it at 5-4 in the second set. Musetti found some late resistance to break back and force a tiebreak, holding a set point at 7-6.
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The Associated Press
