Paul wins 1st grass title, to top U.S. men's ranks
LONDON — American fifth seed Tommy Paul won his first grass-court title by beating Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 7-6 (8) in the Queen’s Club Championships Sunday.
The 27-year-old’s third career crown will take him above Taylor Fritz in the ATP rankings, making him the highest-ranked American in men’s singles.
Paul was dominant in the first set, landing three aces, while Musetti struggled with unforced errors. Paul also broke in the second set and served for the match with a 5-4 lead, but Musetti broke back to take the set into a tiebreak.
Musetti, 22, put up a fight in the tiebreaker, saving two match points and carving out a set point, but Paul ultimately took the victory in the prolonged battle.
“I want to congratulate Lorenzo on a good week. He’s been playing amazing tennis,” Paul said. “I’m happy to get the win today. I’m happy to share the court with you. This is the perfect way to go to Wimbledon.”
Paul, who reached the third round at Wimbledon last year, will compete in the Grand Slam, which begins July 1, for the fifth time.
