By Richard Pagliaro | Sunday, June 20, 2021
Top-seeded Matteo Berrettini blasted 19 aces and did not face a break point defeating Cameron Norrie 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3 to capture his first Queen's Club crown.
Photo credit: @QueenTennis
Matteo Berrettini completed a booming Queen's Club debut with a decisive blast.
Berrettini banged a serve winner to cap a 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3 triumph over British No. 2 Cameron Norrie in today's Queen's Club final and wrap the biggest title of his career.
More: Djokovic Hits with Son Stefan
The top-seeded Italian is the first debutant to win the cinch Championships since a 17-year-old Boris Becker in 1985 and the first Italian champion.
“It’s the biggest trophy, and I’m sorry to the others, but the nicest one as well,” Berrettini said afterward.
Empowered by his run to his first Roland Garros quarterfinal earlier this month, Berrettini made a smooth transition to the lawn game, raising his 2021 record to 26-6.
"It was definitely really good week. I mean, when you win a tournament, it means that you're playing good, but I think during the tournament, after every match I was increasing my level," Berrettini said. "I think today I had to play my best tennis, especially in the important points, to win, because I think Cameron played a great match. He's really tricky. He's lefty. His ball is like not bouncing a lot.
"He made me work a lot. And nothing. I'm really happy with my performance overall."
The explosive Italian served 76 percent, pounded 19 aces against one double fault, permitted just six points on his first serve and did not face a break point in a one hour, 57-minute victory.
It is Berrettini's fifth career title, including his second of this season following his triumph on red clay in Belgrade. The 500-level championship is the biggest of Berrettini's career.
The 41st-ranked Norrie was bidding to join Andy Murray as the second British man to take the title since World War II. While Norrie dropped to 0-4 in ATP finals, he will rise to a career-high rank of No. 34.