Rothesay International Eastbourne 2024: Taylor Fritz defeats Max Purcell to become first three-time champion
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Taylor Fritz has created history in Eastbourne after becoming the tournament’s first three-time champion following his victory over Max Purcell 6-4, 6-3 in men’s singles final.
Fritz needed just one hour and seven minutes to achieve the feat – his shortest match of the week – with the victory signifying his eighth career title on the ATP tour.
Speaking on his triumph in Eastbourne, Fritz said “Congrats to Max’s team. Your first final is a huge accomplishments and I’m sure you’re going to be in plenty more, especially on grass. It was a really tough match and was a nightmare to play some of those games.”
The ATP 250 event in Eastbourne holds a special place in the American’s heart. Back in 2019, he defeated Sam Querrey 6-3, 6-4 in the final to seal his first tour-level title of his career, before going on to claim a second crown in 2022.
“Something about this place – my first title, the third and now my eighth. There’s something about it here – I really love it. The crowd support every year, it’s great to see all the love and I just love being in Eastbourne and having this week right before Wimbledon."
Fritz’s road to the title in Eastbourne
- First round: won vs Thiago Seyboth Wild 7-6(4), 6-3
- Quarter-final: won vs Juncheng Shang 7-6(5), 7-6(5)
- Semi-final: won vs Aleksander Vukic 7-6(5), 7-6(4)
- Final: won vs Max Purcell 6-4, 6-3
Despite admitting he’s not played his best tennis this week, Fritz dominated his service games in the final clash, landing 70% of first serves in and winning 89% of points behind to avoid any break points in the championship battle at Devonshire Park.
Although former Wimbledon doubles champion Purcell fell short in this year’s final, he still leaves the South Coast with plenty to be proud of, after reaching his first ever ATP tour singles final.
Purcell said, “Huge week for me, thank you everyone for coming out to means a lot. My first (ATP) final, so it’s a really special place for me and I couldn’t think of a better place to do it right before Wimbledon.
“Taylor, great week mate. All the best for next week, congrats to you and all of your team. You’re a fantastic player and I’m always stocked to play you top players and I enjoy every second of it out on court so thank you for the experience."
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