Tommy Paul claimed his third ATP Tour title and made his grass debut on Sunday at the Cinch Championships, where he defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 7-6 (8) in the final at Queen’s.
The fifth seed played with intensity and aggression throughout the 88-minute clash. After running ahead, Paul recovered from a 5-4 match failure in the second set, and rose to 1/4 at the break, saving one point at 6/7 from Musetti, who was competing. his third tour-level final.
“Hearing in words [of previous winners] in the locker room is unbelievable. It was my goal to put my name next to them,” said Paul. “Thanks to my whole team.”
King of Queen’s 🏆@TommyPaul1 eliminated Musetti 6-1 7-6 (8).@QueensTennis | #cinchChampionships pic.twitter.com/7BP6feczHD
– ATP Tour (@atptour) June 23, 2024
With his 27th tour-level win of the season, Paul ensured that he would pass Taylor Fritz and become the American No. 1 for the first time in his career on Monday. The 27-year-old is expected to move up to number 12 in the PIF ATP Rankings.
Paul has been impressive all week on the grass in west London, where he dropped one set. The American clinched his first tour-level title in Stockholm in 2021 before winning in February in Dallas. His Queen’s Club crown is his first at the ATP 500 level.
[ATP APP]In front of a packed crowd, Paul raced out of the blocks, taking a 3-0 lead in the pair’s first Lexus ATP Head2Head meeting. He didn’t back down in the first set, winning it after 32 minutes. The American then recovered from a 5-4 deficit in the second set, winning with his second match point when Musetti scored.
Paul, who committed just six unforced errors, raised his arms in the air following his victory and shared a smile with his girlfriend Paige Lorenze and the rest of his team.
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