Argentine Tennis Star Facundo Cerundolo Claims Historic Queen’s Club Title
Facundo Cerundolo became the first Argentine to win the Queen’s Club Championship on Sunday, defeating American Mackenzie McDonald in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6(5), 6-3, in a match that highlighted his resilience and adaptability on grass courts. The victory marks a career milestone for the 26-year-old, who had struggled on the surface in recent years but credited targeted preparation in the UK for his success.
Cerundolo, who grew up playing on clay courts, admitted he had not won a single match on grass in 2024 or 2025. “We don’t have many grass courts back home,” he said, referencing his limited exposure to the surface. His first grass-court experience came during the 2021 Wimbledon qualifiers, where he lost in the first round. However, he later secured two grass-court titles, including his triumph at Queen’s, which he called “the biggest moment of my tennis career by far.”
The final against McDonald was a tightly contested affair. Cerundolo broke first in the opening set but faced a tie-break after failing to serve out the set. In the second set, both players traded breaks, with Cerundolo eventually forcing a third set after saving multiple break points. The Argentine’s emotional victory was marred by a tense moment in the third set, when he squandered a 40-0 lead but ultimately clinched the match on his fifth championship point.
Cerundolo’s win at Queen’s, a prestigious ATP 500 event, secured him a spot among the 32 seeded players at Wimbledon, which begins on June 29. His performance has drawn praise from British Davis Cup captain Leon Smith, who highlighted Cerundolo’s “unique forehand” as a key asset. “His game is so big… if the conditions stay fast, he’s got a huge opportunity,” Smith said on BBC TV.
The victory also places Cerundolo in rare company. He is the first Argentine to win Queen’s, though David Nalbandian came close in 2012, losing to Marin Cilic after being defaulted for kicking an advertising board. Cerundolo’s triumph underscores his growing reputation as a versatile player, capable of adapting to different surfaces despite his clay-court roots.
With Wimbledon on the horizon, Cerundolo’s success at Queen’s has raised expectations for his performance on the All England Club’s grass courts. His ability to overcome challenges on unfamiliar surfaces—bolstered by his decision to train in the UK—positions him as a dark horse in the tournament. As the tennis world watches, Cerundolo’s journey from Argentine clay to Wimbledon glory continues to unfold.
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