Bonzi claims first ATP title with victory over Norrie in Metz
Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi captured his maiden ATP title on Saturday, defeating Britain’s Cameron Norrie 7-6 (8/6), 6-4 in the Moselle Open final in Metz. The 28-year-old, ranked 124th, reached his first major milestone after a challenging year on the ATP circuit, having relied on a series of Challenger Tour titles to rebuild confidence.
Bonzi, who was once ranked as high as No. 42, came through the Metz qualifiers, dropping only one set en route to the final and notching a breakthrough win over second-seeded Casper Ruud in the second round — his first victory over a top-10 player.
In a hard-fought final, 57th-ranked Norrie broke Bonzi’s serve to take a 4-3 lead, but Bonzi responded immediately. The turning point came in the next game, with Bonzi saving 10 break points to edge ahead. He then fought off a set point before claiming the tiebreak.
In the second set, Bonzi broke early to lead 2-1 and maintained control as Norrie struggled to gain momentum, unable to reach deuce in Bonzi’s final three service games. The victory crowned a determined run for Bonzi, ending his ATP title drought in front of an enthusiastic home crowd.
(Source: AFP)
