Benjamin Bonzi clinched his first ATP Tour title on home soil at the Moselle Open after defeating Cameron Norrie in the final. It was the first taste of championship-match victory at the third attempt for the Frenchman, who in 2023 reached finals at ATP 250 events in Pune and Marseille.
The 28-year-old arrived in Metz after winning ATP Challenger Tour titles in Roanne and St. Brieuc in October, during which he was also a finalist at that level in Brest.
ATPTour.com caught up with the Frenchman to discuss his maiden moment, his 2024 season, and more.
What does it mean for you to win your first ATP tour title?
I've been through two finals last year and didn't manage to win one. This is always special, to make history and win a tournament. To put your name on the list, on this beautiful tournament, after so many great players like Jo-Wilfried Tsonga or last year [when Ugo Humbert won]. That feels very great, especially after the year I have been through. Winning the title is always special. And I think winning our first ATP title is something more special, amazing.
You have won 21 out of your past 22 matches. Did you think this was possible? And what has been working so well for you?
If you had said to me that six weeks earlier, I [would] tell you that you’re a liar. But now everything is true. I felt amazing on the courts [in] the last few weeks on the Challenger Tour and the ATP Tour. I think that my level came back, especially on the on the mental part, and the way I managed all those things that I've been through on the court. I know I can face a lot of things on the court and be ready for everything. That was maybe not the case all the year. But 21 victories in the last 22 matches was amazing. I would have signed, for sure, with both ends, but that's a great end of the season, kind of a fairy tale. So, to end like this, to be back in the Top 100 and be [in the] main draw for Melbourne.