Cunha Survives Willis Fightback to Claim Junior Crown

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Henrique Cunha became the first Brazilian to win the Junior title at The Artois Championships after a thrilling three-set victory over Britain’s Marcus Willis.

Cunha, the 18-year-old from Jao, survived a second set fightback from Willis to record a 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 victory at The Queen’s Club.

In what was an all left-handed final, Cunha led 3-0 in the second set and served for the match at 5-3 before the 17-year-old from Slough hit back to win four consecutive games and force a deciding set.

However, Cunha kept his composure and showed why he is ranked as the world’s No. 8 junior, claiming his second title of the season in 1 hour, 50 minutes. It was also his fourth victory over Willis in the last 12 months.

Willis, currently ranked No. 22 in the ITF Junior rankings, was attempting to become the eighth British winner of the Artois Championships junior title since it was first held in 1990.

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