Benjamin Bonzi knocks out Norrie in Metz for his first ATP title

France’s Benjamin Bonzi reacts in the course of the last in opposition to Britain’s Cameron Norrie (not pictured) on the ATP 250 Moselle Open last event on the Les Arenes sports activities heart in Metz, northeastern France, on Nov. 9, 2024. | Picture credit score: AFP

Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi received his first ATP title on Saturday (November 9, 2024) by beating Britain’s Cameron Norrie 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 within the last in Metz.

Bonzi, 28, had risen to No. 42 on this planet in 2023 by reaching two ATP finals, however had not received a primary draw match at an ATP occasion this yr. He had regained his confidence with a sequence of titles on the second division Challenger Tour.

After topping the qualifier in Metz, the 124th-ranked Bonzi dropped only one set on his solution to the ultimate and eradicated second seed Casper Ruud within the second spherical, his first win over a top-10 participant.

Within the last, No. 57-ranked Norrie broke first to guide 4-3, however Bonzi hit again for 4-4. The following recreation was pivotal as Bonzi saved 10 break factors to take the lead once more. He then saved a set level earlier than successful the tiebreaker.

Within the second set, Bonzi progressively silenced Norrie, who, considerably provocatively, punctuated his essential factors with cries of “Allez”, as he had achieved within the semi-final in opposition to one other French participant, Corentin Moutet.

Bonzi broke serve within the third recreation of the second set and guarded his lead as Norrie did not pressure even a deuce within the Frenchman’s final three service video games.