After winning his first grass-court title at Eastbourne three years ago, Cerundolo – who grew up playing on clay courts – did not win a single match on the surface in 2024 and 2025.
“We don’t have many grass courts back home,” Cerundolo said.
“The first time I played [on grass was in the Wimbledon qualifiers in 2021].
“After that I’ve won two grass-court titles, so it’s incredible.”
His decision to fly to the UK to practise on grass before this year’s tournament has reaped rewards.
Cerundolo broke first in the opening set but failed to serve it out as momentum stayed with Paul in the tie-break.
In a tight second set, the players traded breaks and saved multiple break points each before Paul’s level faltered and Cerundolo struck a decisive blow at 5-4 to force a decider.
Cerundolo broke first in the third set, but his emotions threatened to boil over when he squandered a 40-0 lead on serve and Paul carved out two break-back points.
The South American let out a huge cry of “vamos” as he clung on to hold, although he was left disgruntled after four championship points went by.
But at the fifth time of asking, Cerundolo hammered home his 27th winner of the day to finally seal victory.
“This is the biggest moment of my tennis career by far,” he told BBC TV.
“Coming from Argentina, winning my first ATP 500 tournament at Queen’s – such a historic event.
“I would never imagine lifting this trophy in my whole life and now I am the winner, so I am just super happy and proud of myself.”
Cerundolo is the first Argentine to win the title at Queen’s, although David Nalbandian came close in 2012, having been a set up against Marin Cilic when he was defaulted for kicking an advertising board and hurting a line judge.
Cerundolo will be one of the 32 seeded players when Wimbledon begins on Monday, 29 June.
And Britain’s Davis Cup captain Leon Smith believes Cerundolo’s “unique forehand” gives him a “huge opportunity” to conquer any surface.
“His game is so big. The backhand has been rock solid – it’s a flat shot so it’s going through the court – but his uniqueness is his forehand,” Smith said on BBC TV.
“It’s a huge weapon and if the conditions stay as they are – fast, with the ball moving through the air – he’s got a huge opportunity.”
