Preview 2024 Queen’s Club Championships Final: Tommy Paul battles Lorenzo Musetti for the crown

Tommy Paul will seek his second title of the year at the Queen’s Club Championships against an inspired Lorenzo Musetti, who returns to a final after two years. The American 5th seed defeated his compatriot Sebastian Korda, while Musetti overcame Australian Jordan Thompson.

Paul also has the opportunity to become the new American No. 1 for the first time in his career. If he clinches the title, he will surpass Taylor Fritz and reach world No. 12, matching his career-best ranking.

Paul eyes American No. 1 status in Queen’s Club

The American dispatched South Americans Sebastian Baez (No. 19) and Alejandro Tabilo (No. 24) in straight sets before facing Jack Draper (No. 31) in the quarterfinals. Draper, on a streak of seven consecutive grass court wins and coming off a victory over world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, challenged Paul, but the American showcased his best tennis to win 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.

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In the semifinals, Paul faced the in-form Sebastian Korda (No. 23) in an all-American showdown. Despite some tense moments, Paul stayed in control throughout and secured victory in straight sets, including a dominant tie-break 6-4, 7-6(2). This victory avenged his defeat to Korda last week in the quarterfinals of the Libema Open.

The world No. 13 will play the sixth final of his career, having previously won titles at the 2021 Stockholm Open and 2024 Dallas Open. His only previous grass court final ended in defeat at the 2023 Eastbourne International against Argentine Francisco Cerundolo. "I’m happy with how I’m playing. I feel like every time I step on grass I learn something and I’m getting better. Hopefully tomorrow will be a little better," Paul commented after his semifinal win against Korda.

Musetti sets sights on third career title

The 23-year-old has won both previous finals he played, both in 2022 at the ATP 500 Hamburg Open on clay against Carlos Alcaraz and then at the ATP 250 Naples Open on hardcourt against Matteo Berrettini. Now on grass, he aims for his third title.

Musetti at 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters.

Musetti started strong in the draw against the second seed and recent Libema Open champion Alex De Minaur (No. 7). After a tough start, the Italian staged a comeback to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-2. In the second round, he faced former Next Gen ATP Finals champion Brandon Nakashima (No. 63) and defeated him in three sets, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

In the quarterfinals, Musetti had no trouble against local wildcard Billy Harris (No. 162), while in the semifinals, he overcame a resilient Jordan Thompson (No. 43) to reach a final after two years. Musetti will now challenge Paul, with whom he has no previous matchups.

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“Here at Queen’s, there’s so much history when you walk on court. There are a lot of Italians here in London so I want to thank them. I really feel at home here. Tomorrow is the last step so I want you to come again and support me tomorrow. I’ll see you then,” Musetti said after his victory in the semifinals.

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