By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Saturday November 9, 2024
Benjamin Bonzi emerged with the title in Metz after a gritty effort that saw him save 13 of 14 break points.
Photo Source: TTV
Benjamin Bonzi held his nerve – and serve – to notch a major milestone on Saturday in Metz, as he took down Cameron Norrie 7-6(6), 6-4 to claim his maiden ATP title.
The 28-year-old French qualifier saved 13 of 14 break points, including 10 in a critical ninth game of the opening set, and saved a set point at 6-5 in the first-set tiebreak to defeat the former Top-10 Brit in one hour and 54 minutes.
Remarkably, Bonzi entered the qualifying draw at the tournament carrying an 0-6 record for the season, but he won seven matches to become the 12th ATP player to win a maiden ATP title on tour in 2024.
Bonzi has now won 21 of 22 matches across all levels, and he will rise from 124 to No.78 in Monday’s ATP rankings.
Norrie, playing in his first ATP final since February of 2023, drops to 5-10 lifetime in ATP title matches.