First-Time Winner Spotlight: Benjamin Bonzi
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.
Five years from now, what do you think you will remember most about this week?
For sure I’m going to remember the first title. Like I said, it’s always special, the way I played is the part that I’m the most proud of. The way I played the final. I went for it. I try to be aggressive, to take my chances every time I can. This is maybe the trickiest part to manage in the final. Because you’re tight, and you want to win. But this was a very important match, and I went through it. I managed all my emotions, everything [that was in my mind]. For me just to play the final, I want to remember that and keep this for the next matches.
Could you take a moment to acknowledge some of the key figures in your life who have helped you reach this milestone?
My coach, Lionel Zimbler. We have been working together for five years now. He is in Marseille. Another coach, Martin. He stopped in June. It was a bit tough to replace him. But I had a lot of [people] next to me. There’s my girlfriend with [me] every time, supporting me, trying to make me a better person, even on the courts and off the courts. [I also have] the mental coach. I have two trainers with me. Ralph, who is working in Marseille with me, and Kevin, who is travelling more with me in tournaments.
A tennis team is a lot of people. And, I had a coach this week. I worked with him maybe two years ago. He came back for me on Tour, for two or three weeks at the end of this year. It was pretty good. And I also had the chance to work with Laurent Raymond. He’s working for the [French] Federation, and they gave him to me for a few weeks. He’s a very experienced coach.
How would you describe yourself as a player and describe yourself off the court?
Off the court, I am a very calm person. I love to stay at home and rest, because the life on Tour is exhausting. You’re always moving, taking some flights or train, always moving and travelling. I’m a very calm person. I’m very close to my close ones. I’m not so extravagant. This is kind of the same on court. I won’t be as fancy as Corentin Moutet, for example, or some other guys, but I try to do my best. I try to stay focused, and sometimes there is not as much show as people want, but this is my way to try to play on the court. I am a calm guy.