Tommy Paul defeated Ugo Humbert, 6-3, 6-3, in the Queen’s Club Championships semi-finals.
The American secured his place in the Queen’s final with a straight-sets win over the world number 33.
Paul will play Francisco Cerundolo in Sunday’s final after the Argentine defeated Brandon Nakashima in the earlier semi-final.
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Shortly after converting match point, Paul apologised to the crowd during an upbeat on-court interview.
Tommy Paul apologises to the Queen’s crowd after stopping Ugo Humbert from forcing a third set
“I’m definitely happy with the performance and happy to be back in the finals here,” said Paul.
“This is one of the best tournaments on the schedule. I absolutely love this court. I love playing in front of you guys, so thank you for coming out and supporting.
“He’s such a tough opponent; I feel like he can change directions at any time. He’s super dangerous, especially on this grass court, so I was very happy to get through that.
“The first set was a little bit tricky for me. I was happy to be able to hold out the second set. I know you guys were ready to get behind him if he got a break there in the second set, so sorry guys, but I needed that!”
Humbert couldn’t give the crowd the third set they were hoping for as Paul closed the door on him, securing his place in the final.
Paul will contest his fourth final of the year on Sunday, as he continues to impress on his return from injury.
Tommy Paul’s record in finals this year (1-2)
| Final | Tier | Surface | Opponent | Result | Score |
| Queen’s Club Championships | ATP 500 | Grass | Francisco Cerundolo | – | – |
| Hamburg Open | ATP 500 | Clay | Ignacio Buse | LOSS | 6-7, 6-4, 3-6 |
| U.S. Men’s Clay Court Championships | ATP 250 | Clay | Roman Andres Burruchaga | WIN | 6-1, 3-6, 7-5 |
| Delray Beach Open | ATP 250 | Hard | Sebastian Korda | LOSS | 4-6, 3-6 |
The American lost finals in Delray Beach and Hamburg, but defeated Argentina’s Roman Andres Burruchaga in Houston to clinch his first title since 2024.
He now has his sights set on another title and another victory over an Argentine.
“I’m super pumped to be playing the level of tennis that I have been this year,” he said.
“Only one title, though, so I’ve got to get a win tomorrow, that would make my year a lot better.
“I’m just excited to get back out here tomorrow.”
Paul will walk on court as the favourite to win the final, having lifted the Queen’s trophy once before, but won’t have it easy against Cerundolo.
Francisco Cerundolo qualifies for the biggest final of his career after hiring new coach
Cerundolo has grown a reputation as somewhat of a clay-court specialist, although it’s on the grass-courts of Queen’s that he has made the biggest final of his career.
After losing in the third round of Roland Garros, Cerundolo added Dominic Thiem’s former coach, Nicolas Massu, to his team.
Immediately finding success with the Chilean in his corner, the 27-year-old advanced to a final above the ATP 250 level for the first time in his career.
It’s worth noting that Cerundolo hasn’t beaten a top-30 player en route to the final, but still deserves credit for his efforts at Queen’s.
Cerundolo will be determined to cap off an excellent week with a win over Paul, and may take some confidence from his previous meetings with the American.
He leads their head-to-head 5-2, having beaten Paul twice before on grass.
Francisco Cerundolo and Tommy Paul’s head-to-head record (5-2)
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2026 Queen’s F | – | – | – |
| 2025 Miami Open – 3R | Francisco Cerundolo | Tommy Paul | 6-2, 7-6 |
| 2024 French Open – 3R | Francisco Cerundolo | Tommy Paul | 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 |
| 2024 Madrid Open – 3R | Francisco Cerundolo | Tommy Paul | 6-7, 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2023 Canadian Open – 2R | Tommy Paul | Francisco Cerundolo | 7-6, 6-7, 6-3 |
| 2023 Eastbourne Open – F | Francisco Cerundolo | Tommy Paul | 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 |
| 2023 Queen’s – 1R | Francisco Cerundolo | Tommy Paul | 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 |
| 2022 Eastbourne – 1R | Tommy Paul | Francisco Cerundolo | 4-6, 7-6, 6-4 |
Can he extend that record to 6-2 when they battle it out in the Queen’s final? Only time will tell.
Paul and Cerundolo will contest the 2026 Queen’s final on Sunday, June 21.
