And one for Benjamin Bonzi who wins for the first time in the final of an ATP tournament.
By winning in two sets 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in 1h54 against the 57e world, Benjamin Bonzi ends the year in style and will make a nice comeback in the top 100.
A first victory against Ruud
After regaining confidence in the Challengers tournaments, the second level, the 124e world player finally found the key on the main circuit in Metz, ATP 250 tournament. He successively eliminated the Norwegian Casper Ruud, world No.7, his first victory against a member of the Top 10, then his compatriot Quentin Halys and the American Alex Michelsen, 44e.
For the third final of his career after defeats in Marseille and Pune in 2023, this time he won. Without shaking.
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Under the eyes of Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, winner four times in Metz, it was Norrie who broke first (4-3). But Bonzi reacted directly by breaking at 4-4.
The following play was perhaps the turning point of the match in the minds of both opponents. Dominated, Bonzi managed to save ten break points, thanks to good firsts or by entering the net, and ended up going in front at 5-4.
After 1h08 of play, the Nîmes concluded a contested first set in the tie-break, saving a set point in the process.
Return from injury
In the second round, Bonzi gradually silenced Norrie who, a bit provocative, punctuated with loud “Allez” his crucial points won, as in the semi-final against Corentin Moutet.
He quickly broke (2-1), before taking the lead. Chaining aces together at the end of the match, he concluded on his first match point after a beautiful second ball which forced Norrie’s direct error.
Norrie, 29, winner of five tournaments including the Masters 1000 at Indian Wells in 2021, will not add a sixth to Metz.
Former French number one when he reached 42e world ranking at the start of 2023, Bonzi fell back in the rankings after a wrist injury.
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