Lopez Sweeps Queen’s, Edges Simon In Singles, Teams With Murray For Doubles Crown
What a day for Feliciano Lopez. The part-time tournament director won both the singles and doubles titles Sunday in Queen’s.
The 37-year-old edged Gilles Simon in a 3-set thriller 6-2, 6-7(4), 7-6(2). Lopez had command of the second set breaker up 4-2 but didn’t win another point. Then blew break chances early in the third but hung on in the breaker for his second Queen’s title in the last three years.
“I thought the best moment of my career was when I won this tournament in 2017, but it’s right now,” said Lopez after his seventh career title. “He was coming up with unbelievable passing shots and I was a little bit desperate, to be honest. The tie-break is a bit of a lottery, of course, but I’m just so happy to win here.
Ranked No. 113, the wildcard Lopez will jump back up into the Top 60.
Simon, who was seeking his first grass title, played his third final set breaker of the event.
“I’m tired, of course. It was a great final for me. It’s a bit tough now after such an effort to stay in this match, but he played better in the tie-break than me,” said Simon. “This is such a prestigious tournament and to have a chance to win the final was amazing for me.”
The doubles final followed and Lopez completed the sweep partnering with British hero Andy Murray to beat Rajeev Ram and Joe Salisbury 7-6(6), 5-7, 10-5.
“I felt relaxed at the beginning of the week, but felt more nervous as it went on. I think my competitive instincts started kicking in,” said Murray. “My hip has felt great, pain-free. I’ll try to keep progressing, but am just happy to be back on the court.”
Lopez becomes the first player since Matteo Berrettini (2018 Gstaad) to win singles and doubles title at the same event. The Spaniard is also the first man since Mark Philippoussis (1997) to win both titles in the same year at The Queen’s Club.
“This happens maybe only once in a lifetime. I can’t believe it,” said Lopez. “I’m so happy for Andy to play with me and we’re so happy he’s back on the tennis court.”
Murray now heads to Eastbourne to more doubles.
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