Matteo Berrettini beats Cameron Norrie in three sets to clinch men’s Queen’s club championship

Cam Norrie loses the Queen’s final in three sets to No 1 seed Matteo Berrettini as Italian claims the biggest title of his career, but British No 2 will now be seeded for Wimbledon!

Cam Norrie narrowly failed in his bid to emulate Andy Murray when he was ultimately overpowered by Matteo Berrettini in the final at Queen’s.

The British number two made it three runners-up finishes in 2021 on the ATP Tour after losing 6-4 6-7 6-3 at the cinch Championships to the Italian number one.

Norrie could not quite the find the resources to break the serve of 6’5′ Berrettini, who delivered 18 scorching aces to repeatedly suppress his lefthanded opponent.

Berrettini won the first set 6-4 with the Italian’s strong serve proving too much for Norrie

Norrie battled back to win the second by a tie-break to take the match to a deciding set

Norrie battled back to win the second by a tie-break to take the match to a deciding set

Cameron Norrie celebrates after clinching the second set via a tie-break

Cameron Norrie celebrates after clinching the second set via a tie-break

Berrettini won the decisive third set 6-3 to claim the men's singles title at Queen's club

Berrettini won the decisive third set 6-3 to claim the men’s singles title at Queen’s club

The 25 year-old lefthander did not manage to get a break point against the world number nine, who put enormous pressure on him by holding so easily. There was little in it, and Norrie could hardly have played a better tiebreak, which he managed to edge 7-5 before some enthusiastic support in the swocially distanced crowds.

Berrettini has the kind of artillery that will make him a considerable threat at Wimbledon, one of the few who might cause Novak Djokovic some worry. He becomes the first debut winner at Queen’s since 17 year-old Boris Becker in 1985 – who went on to win at SW19.

‘All credit to Matteo he was too good for me on the big points,’ said Norrie. ‘I’ve really enjoyed my tennis here, before the tournament I would have signed for making the final. It’s great to have tennis back in the UK.

‘It’s very special to be seeded at Wimbledon. A bit disappointed not to get the title but will keep pushing for more.’

Berrettini celebrates after a clinching a closely contested final against Norrie

Berrettini celebrates after a clinching a closely contested final against Norrie 

Berrettini celebrates with his team after beating Norrie to claim to title at Queens

Berrettini celebrates with his team after beating Norrie to claim to title at Queens

British no. 2 Cam Norrie holds up the runner up trophy after defeat in the final

British no. 2 Cam Norrie holds up the runner up trophy after defeat in the final 

Berrettini lifts the trophy after winning the men's final at Queen's club on Sunday

Berrettini lifts the trophy after winning the men’s final at Queen’s club on Sunday