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.
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.
“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.
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.