Francisco Cerundolo battles to victory over Tommy Paul in final of 2023 Eastbourne International

Francisco Cerundolo beat Tommy Paul 6-4 1-6 6-4 in the final of the Eastbourne International on Saturday afternoon.

The pair were on the south coast to get some grass-court practice ahead of next week’s Grand Slam at Wimbledon, and the Argentine will hope to carry his winning form into the action in SW19. The win is Cerundolo’s first title on grass.

The victory also helped the 24-year-old extend his personal record of 28 match wins so far this season, a total he is almost certain to extend this year.

Paul had beaten Gregoire Barrere to reach the final while Cerundolo saw off one of his opponent’s American compatriots, Mackenzie McDonald.

Paul will rue his lack of ruthlessness after converting four of the 10 break points that came his way.

Cerundolo and Paul played for almost two hours in a battling display from both, but Cerundolo’s 28 winners gave him the advantage.

While Paul had levelled things with a powerful showing in the second set, which saw Cerendulo claim a single game, he regained his composure to take the third set for the second tour title of his career.

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