Fritz captures first ATP title at Eastbourne

Taylor Fritz captured his first ATP title Saturday, defeating fellow Californian Sam Querrey, 6-3, 6-4, in the final of the Nature Valley International in Eastbourne, England.

Fritz, 21, won the title at the same event at which he made his ATP debut four years ago, when the tournament was held in Nottingham, England. He joins Andy Roddick (Eastbourne) and Steve Johnson (Nottingham) as American champions at the tournament.

"It's so amazing. I almost can't even believe it. I'm still trying to take it in," Fritz told ATPTour.com following his win. "I've wanted to win a Tour title ever since I made the final of one when I was 18. It feels like I've just been waiting so long. I'm so happy."

Fritz, who was playing in his second career ATP final and first since 2016 Memphis, upset top-seed Guido Pella, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, in the second round and No. 3 Kyle Edmund, 7-6 (8), 6-3, in the semifinals en route to the championship.

Querrey, ranked No. 79, was playing in his first tournament since Houston in April due to an abdominal injury.

It was the first all-American final on the ATP Tour since 2018 Atlanta, when John Isner defeated Ryan Harrison for the championship.

Up next for both Americans is Wimbledon, where Fritz will take on Tomas Berdych in his first-round match, and Querrey will face No. 5 Dominic Thiem in his opener.