Queens 2026: Francisco Cerundolo fights to beat Tommy Paul and claim biggest career title

Francisco Cerundolo secured the biggest title of his career as he staged a stunning comeback to beat Tommy Paul in the men’s singles final at Queen’s.

The Argentine had never won a title above the ATP 250 level before and it looked as if his wait would continue when he went down a set against Paul and broke.

But after three hours and two minutes on court – the longest final in Queen’s history – and missing four championship points, a victorious Cerundolo threw himself on the floor in celebration after a 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-3 win.

“It’s not easy to talk now,” said an emotional Serundlo.

“I want to thank my mom and my dad, they came for the last two games.”

He then told BBC TV: “My dad has a fear of planes. I’ve never traveled with him since I was born and he’s never come to see me at a tournament.

“He saw me once a year in Buenos Aires and at the Davis Cup. They just came and I saw them when I went to celebrate.”

A fan favorite at the iconic Queen’s Club this week, Cerundolo delighted the London crowd with his ferocious forehand winners and never-give-up mentality.

Spending 11 hours and 33 minutes on court in the last six days, four of his five matches have been decided.

It is the second grass-court title for the 27-year-old, who also beat Paul in the final at Eastbourne in 2023.

Paul, the Queen’s champion in 2024, missed out on defending his title last year with an abdominal injury and Cerundlo looked downcast as he celebrated victory at the Andy Murray Arena.

“I want to congratulate Francisco and your team. We always seem to have fantastic matches and today you were the best player so I’m happy for you. Congratulations,” Paul said.