Benjamin Bonzi won the first title of his career by beating Briton Cameron Norrie 7-6 [6]6-4, in the final of the ATP 250 tournament in Metz. A splendid return to the forefront for the Nîmes, he who had fallen beyond 120th place in the world.
This is what we call rising from the ashes. Falling back to 124th place in the world, Benjamin Bonzi concluded his season in the most beautiful way. Winner of two Challengers in Roanne and Saint-Brieuc since October, finalist in a third in Brest, the Nîmes man achieved the feat of winning his first title on the ATP circuit by winning the Metz tournament, via qualifications.
By notably beating world No.7 Casper Ruud – his first career top 10 – the French Quentin Halys and the American Alex Michelsen. All ending with a victory against the difficult Briton Cameron Norrie (57th in the world, former No. 8) in two sets in the final 7-6 [6]6-4.
“I’ve come a long way this year”
“It's incredible. I've come a long way this year. It was a very difficult seasonhe said just after his victory. It was a lot better the last few weeks but I didn't expect a week like this.”
This success in Moselle – after two defeats in the final in Pune and Marseille in 2023 – will allow the Gardois to make a big jump in the world rankings, returning to the top 100 at 77th place in the world. To also allow him to directly enter the final draw of the Australian Open next January.
“I’m back in the top 100, my first ATP title… It’s completely crazyhe continued. 2025 is going to be great, I was just trying to get ready for 2025 the last few weeks, I didn't expect to win like I did. I just wanted to rediscover the pleasure of playing.”
10 break points saved at 5-5 in the first set!
Saturday against Norrie, Benjamin Bonzi displayed a great level of play and great mentality during the final. Like this game at 4-4 in the first set, where he managed to save ten break points to keep his put in play after having broken Norrie just before.
Or in the tie break of the same set, where he saved a set point and then pocketed it with two points in a row (7-6 [6]). From the start of the second, the Nîmes did not let go of the hold to break the Briton then lead 3-1. Without conceding a single break point afterwards, concluding the deal on the last game when he was trailing 15-30 what's more.
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