It was time for what the week had been building up to – the singles final between Tommy Paul and Lorenzo Musetti. The Italian would be looking to add a second ATP 500 win to his belt after a win in Hamburg in 2022, whilst Paul would be hoping to claim his first. The American came firing out of the blocks on all cylinders, seemingly before Musetti had even tied his laces. A couple of breaks and Paul had claimed the first set before the crowd had fully settled in. Musetti would need to summon some of that ATP title holder experience to pull this one back.
On serve in the second set and Musetti had already doubled the number of games won in the match, with an early 2-1 lead. Paul broke again to go five 5-4 up, serving for the match, but Musetti wasn’t going to let it go that easily and levelled 5-5. With serve, as we went into a tie break in the second set and this was Musetti’s chance to level. Paul earned himself a Match Point which Musetti saved, then going on to find himself at set point. Paul dug deep and saved Musetti’s set point. The American found it in himself to fight for a second Match Point and this time, he wasn’t wasting another opportunity. A whopper of a serve, which Musetti did well to get a racket on but his return was out, leaving Paul to raise his arms in victory, claiming the 2024 cinch Championships title.
Paul also receives an Honorary membership at the Club, so we hope to see him back at Queen's soon.
Singles title celebrations complete, it was time to welcome Taylor Fritz, Karen Khachanov, Neal Skupski and Michael Venus to the court, for their doubles final. With serve for the opening few games, but it was Fritz-Khachanov who broke first and held serve to claim the first set 6-4. Would this be the second two setter of the day, or could Skupski-Venus level it for a decider? That they did, as we went into the second set tie break which Skupski and Venus battled through to win 7-5.
Championship tie break it was, which the players rattled through going point for point until the British-New Zealand pair crept ahead and put daylight between the American-Russian pair and won the deciding set 10-8 to lift the trophy. What a comeback in front of a home crowd (for Skupski anyway!)
Last but certainly not least, on Court Five today we were treated to some learning disability tennis. It was fantastic to see players of all ages and abilities participating in the action here at Queen’s and we can’t wait to see how many future stars may be inspired by their efforts.
Yet another wonderful tournament here at The Queen’s Club. Congratulations to the winners, runners up and all those who make the Championships what they are.
See you all next year!