Moselle Open Metz: Cameron Norrie falters in first final in 19 months, defeated by Benjamin Bonzi

Cameron Norrie was into his first final in 19 months. But he faltered at the final hurdle as he was defeated by Benjamin Bonzi with the Frenchman winning on home soil in the final week of the season.

Norrie who has battled with injury travails and has plummeted down the rankings has had his best week in a long time. He returned for the first time since losing to Rafael Nadal in Nordea to play a Challenger in Roanne.

He reached the Quarter-Finals there but suffered exits in Stockholm and Vienna in the first round. In the Qualifiers in Paris, he was beaten by Quentin Halys in the first round. So not particularly the best preparation. But he channeled that into a run in Metz.

He defeated Roberto Carballes Baena, Luca van Assche, Zizou Bergs and Corentin Moutet in some tough ties to reach the final. But he was defeated by Bonzi who has won 21 out of his last 22 matches. Seven alone this week after coming through qualifying.

In particular the opening set was a frustrating one for Norrie as he missed 13 break points and Bonzi snatched it 7-6(6) to surge into the lead in the indoor tournament. In the match that lasted just under two hours, Norrie was broken to begin set two as Bonzi went 2-1 up. He surged into a 4-2 lead and 5-3 with Norrie unable to trouble his serve.

Bonzi served it out at 6-4. From nearly losing to Alex Michelsen who was serving underarm and injured to defeating Norrie, it has been an incredible week for him. While Norrie ends the year on a positive. Some solace after barely winning a game throughout 2024.