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 delivered a strong performance to keep his hopes alive. At 23 years old, Musetti overcame former world No. 3 Stan Wawrinka in a thrilling match.
The second seed in the tournament must win the ATP 250 title to secure his spot in the season finale.
"I think everybody knows what’s next in my mind, it’s not easy to play with that in my mind," said a relieved Musetti during his on-court interview. "But of course, if I want to qualify for [Turin], I have to lift the trophy here."
The match featured two of the tour's most elegant one-handed backhands. Musetti faced a crucial moment when he was two points away from defeat at 4-5 in the second-set tiebreak. However, Wawrinka committed two unforced errors, giving Musetti a set point, which he sealed with a powerful forehand winner.
In the final set, Musetti played with greater freedom, attacking and testing Wawrinka’s physical endurance throughout the 2 hour and 25 minute match.
"He was not struggling physically at his age, so hopefully when I’m 40, I will do the same," Musetti joked. "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's next opponent is fifth-seeded French player Alexandre Muller.
Author's Summary
Lorenzo Musetti battled past Stan Wawrinka in Athens, keeping his ATP Finals hopes alive with a resilient win marked by key moments and mutual respect.