By Alberto Amalfi | Saturday, July 1, 2023
Francisco Cerundolo grew up on red clay, but is proving to be a man for all surfaces.
Riding a fierce forehand, Cerundolo topped Tommy Paul 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 to capture his maiden grass-court championship at the Rothesay International in Eastbourne.
The fourth-seeded Argentinean beat both breezy conditions and two tough American opponents with calm under swirling Eastbourne pressure.
Cerundolo made history as the first Argentinean to win an ATP grass-court title since Javier Frana won the 1995 Nottingham championship.
Wimbledon Day 1 Order of Play
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Cerundolo started the day defeating Mackenzie McDonald to advance to the final.
Paul opened the match with a break, but Cerundolo broke right back.
The Cerundolo forehand was the biggest shot on the court and he used it effectively hammering back deep forehands to earn set point in the 10th game.
A Cerundolo drive was initially called out. He challenged and replay showed the ball touched the very back edge of the line. Chair umpire Mohamad Lahyani ruled the incorrect call came after Paul completed his swing and therefore did not hinder his shot, which was out. The chair umpire awarded game and set to Cerundolo.
Paul, who fell to the court and took treatment for an apparent left hip or groin injury, soldiered on and claimed the second set to force a decider.
Cerundolo powered through to his second career title following Bastad last summer.
Photo credit: Getty