Cameron Norrie geared up for the French Open in ideal fashion by winning his first clay-court title at the Lyon Open.
Top seed Norrie claimed his fourth ATP Tour title by beating Slovakia’s Alex Molcan in three sets.
The Briton, who lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in last year’s final, bounced back from squandering two match points in the second set before losing it on a tie-break to triumph 6-3 6-7 (3) 6-1.
And he was delighted to have ended his wait for a first title on clay.
Speaking in his on-court interview, he said: “It is my first title on the clay, so it means a lot to me.
“I couldn’t be happier with how I handled everything this week. This one feels the best so far. I don’t know why, it’s just so special and I couldn’t be happier and I’m really speechless right now.
“It was an incredible atmosphere. Thanks to everyone for coming out.”
Norrie, who has risen to world No 11, reached his 10th ATP final by defeating Danish teenager Holger Rune in the last four.
And this was a second title of the season after victory in Delray Beach.
He said: “I had chances to close the matches in straight sets this week and get it done easier than usual and it didn’t go that way and I was able to let that go and respond.
“In the third set, I moved really well and it’s nice to get over the line.”
Norrie, who is seeded 10th for the French Open, takes on French wildcard Manuel Guinard in the first round at Roland Garros.
