LONDON/STARNBERG, June 21, 2026

Francisco Cerundolo completed a dream week at The Queen’s Club on Sunday, capturing the HSBC Championships title and becoming the first Argentine player to win the prestigious grass-court event.

The seventh seed produced another remarkable comeback, rallying from a set and a break down to defeat defending champion Tommy Paul 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-3 in a gripping final that lasted three hours and two minutes – the longest championship match in the tournament’s history.

For Cerundolo, the victory represents the biggest title of his career and his first trophy above ATP 250 level. It also ended Paul’s nine-match winning streak at Queen’s and confirmed the Argentine’s growing status as one of the most dangerous players on the ATP Tour.

The final followed a familiar script for Cerundolo, who repeatedly showed resilience throughout the week in west London. He survived three-set battles against Aleksandar Kovacevic, Arthur Fery and Brandon Nakashima on his way to the title. Against Fery, he recovered from a break deficit in the deciding set, while he overturned a set-and-a-break deficit against Nakashima in the quarterfinals.

Once again facing adversity in the final, Cerundolo refused to give in. After narrowly losing the opening-set tie-break and falling behind by a break in the second set, the 26-year-old gradually wrestled control of the match. His aggressive baseline game and unwavering determination allowed him to turn the contest around before pulling away in the deciding set.

The emotional victory was made even more special by the presence of his family. His parents had travelled from Argentina and arrived just in time to witness the biggest moment of his career, despite his father’s well-known fear of flying.

As the final point landed in his favour, Cerundolo threw himself onto the grass in celebration, capping a memorable week that showcased both his fighting spirit and his growing confidence on the surface.

Francisco’s crowning moment 👑

How @FranCerundolo sealed the biggest title of his career at Queen’s! 🙌#HSBCChampionships pic.twitter.com/z5dnxRRBf4

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) June 21, 2026

“I can’t believe it. I fought really hard during the whole week, every match was a war and I think I got the reward,” said Cerundolo, who earned €483.145 in prize money as well as 500 ATP Ranking points. “Winning this title for me is unbelievable. Coming from Argentina and winning Queen’s, such a historic event on grass. I never imagined I’d lift this trophy.”