Francisco Cerundolo became just the second player from Argentina to win an ATP title on grass (Grand Slams not included), when he defeated Tommy Paul 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 in the Rothesay International final on Saturday afternoon.
Since the formation of the ATP Tour in 1990, only Javier Frana (Notthingham in 1995) had captured a grass-court title among the Argentine contingent.
“I’m super happy,” Cerundolo assured. “Yesterday (against Mackenzie McDonald in the semifinals) I almost lost–6-2, 4-1 (down). I don’t know how I managed to turn it back. And today I played a really good four points in the morning (to finish the rain-delayed match against McDonald) and I think I played an amazing final. It was super tough; super windy.
“I’m really happy to get my second title. To be honest, I didn’t expect to win a title here. But I’m really happy with the work we’ve been doing with my team and everyone back in Argentina, because to win here for me it’s something special.”
Eubanks beats Mannarino for Mallorca title
Paul struggled with a hip problem throughout the second half of his match against Cerundolo, and Adrian Mannarino was plagued by a calf injury from the start of the Mallorca Championships final against Chris Eubanks. Of course, it may not have mattered because Eubanks produced a stellar, big-hitting performance to prevail 6-1, 6-4.
It is the first ATP title for Eubanks, who had previously never even advanced to an ATP semifinal.
“It means the world; it just means the world,” said the 27-year-old American, who saved five match points against Lloyd Harris on Friday. “It means a lot of the hard work I’ve been putting in, the ups and downs throughout my career, it all is coming together now at this point in my career. It’s just a testament to the hard work. Now I just want to keep working even harder to feel this feeling even more.”
Wimbledon next for finalists
The tour now heads to Wimbledon, where all four finalists have the benefit of being in the top half of the bracket and not playing until Tuesday. As the defending champion, Novak Djokovic plays on Monday and he is in the bottom half as the No. 2 seed.
Their first-round matchups are as follows: Cerundolo vs. Nuno Borges, Eubanks vs. Thiago Monteiro, Mannarino vs. Alexander Shevchenko, and Paul vs. Shintaro Mochizuki.
good stuff from both
Congrats to Chris….former Ga Tech star!
There was no ignorance, lies, exploitation or deception in those results. Well done to both.
Paul was a bit unlucky however – won more points and lost.