Cerundolo Secures Eastbourne Title Over Paul

Argentine Francisco Cerundolo proved yet again he’s no clay specialist as the 24-year-old topped two Americans Saturday to win the grass title in Eastbourne.

The 26-year-old finished off Mackenzie McDonald and then in the final upended the 2nd-seeded Tommy Paul in three 6-4, 1-6, 6-4.

“I’m super happy. Yesterday I almost lost, 6-2, 4-1. I don’t know how I managed to turn it back,” Cerundolo said on court. “And today, I played a really good four points in the morning and today I think I played an amazing final. It was super tough, super windy.

“I’m really happy to get my second title on grass. To be honest, I didn’t expect it, 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.”

In the decider, Cerundolo saved a few early break points before breaking Paul to go up 4-3 to all but seal it.

Cerundolo has now won two of three tour-level meetings when facing Paul. He wins his second career title after Bastad last summer. Paul was looking for his second title and first since Stockholm in 2021.

Earlier in the day, Paul had to play a full two sets to defeat Gregoire Barrere in straights. The American was struggling with a leg issue late in the final.

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