The Erste Bank Open saw a stunning victory of Lorenzo Musetti over world number three Alexander Zverev to reach the semi-finals in Vienna. Describing his comeback victory as “a pretty big win”. Musetti, ranked 17th in Italy, defeated the 2021 champion in two hours and 36 minutes by scores of 2-6, 7-6 (7/5), and 6-4. This is a statement win for the underdog. Musetti, who will face Jack Draper in the final four.
The Italian fell behind 3-0 in a second-set tie-break before rallying to win 2-6, 6-5 (7-5) 6-4. He showcased his class in the decider against Alexander Zverev, the top seed in Vienna when the nearly three-hour match ended with a love service game. The 22-year-old hit 35 winners and saved eight of the twelve break points. He faced on his way to the biggest hard-court win of his career over the 2021 Vienna champion.
Alexander Zverev will be furious with his performance after going 3-0 up in the second set of the game. This questions his overhyped nature and his reputation is bigger than his game. Zverev after this loss should think of his World No.3 position in the tennis rankings. He has been performing and one bad performance cannot define his ranking.
Lorenzo Musetti’s never-give-up attitude sealed the win
Is Lorenzo Musetti’s not-giving-up attitude sealed his win? The 22-year-old said, “It didn’t start how we planned, I was struggling to find the right balance with my forehand and the variation of my backhand. It’s a pretty big win because Sascha loves to play here, on this court, in these conditions. But, after the first round, I was feeling in good shape and today I showed that.”
Australian second seed Alex de Minaur rallied from a set down to overcome Czech teenager Jakub Mensik 6-7 (2/7), 6-3, 6-4.De Minaur, who still has a shot at making the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin, will face Karen Khachanov on Saturday for a spot in the Vienna final. Russia’s Khachanov defeated Italy’s Matteo Berrettini 6-1, 6-4.
