Lorenzo Musetti Defeats Stan Wawrinka in Athens
Lorenzo Musetti’s chances of qualifying for the Nitto ATP Finals were slim on Wednesday, but the Italian stepped up to keep his hopes alive for a debut in Turin. The 23-year-old defeated former world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka in a gripping match at the ATP 250 event.
The second seed must secure the ATP 250 title to earn a spot in the season finale. Speaking after the match, Musetti admitted the pressure was intense:
“I think everybody knows what’s next in my mind, it’s not easy to play with that in my mind. But of course, if I want to qualify for [Turin], I have to lift the trophy here.”
The match featured a battle between two of the sport’s most elegant one-handed backhands. Musetti faced two match points at 4-5 in the second-set tiebreak but capitalized on two unforced errors by Wawrinka to claim the set with a powerful forehand winner.
In the final set, Musetti played with a relaxed confidence, attacking and pushing the 40-year-old Swiss veteran to his physical limits in a contest lasting two hours and 25 minutes.
“He was not struggling physically at his age, so hopefully when I’m 40, I will do the same,” Musetti said with a smile. “A really, really big effort from Stan, but of course I’m really happy with the win.
“I want to say thanks for sharing a court with a legend, an inspiration since I was a kid, so a big applause to Stan who showed some impressive tennis today. I had to raise the level to win this match, especially in the third set.”
Musetti will next face fifth-seeded Frenchman Alexandre Muller.
Author's summary: Lorenzo Musetti overcame a tough challenge from Stan Wawrinka to keep his ATP Finals hopes alive, showing remarkable composure and respect for the veteran’s game.