Lorenzo Musetti is on the brink of qualifying for this year's ATP Finals after reaching the final in Athens on Friday. He must win the title to secure the last spot in Turin.
Musetti will face Novak Djokovic in the final scheduled for Saturday in the Greek capital. The Italian’s victory would guarantee his place at the prestigious year-end event.
Djokovic reached the final first by defeating German qualifier Yannick Hanfmann 6-3, 6-4. After trailing 3-1 in the second set, Djokovic won five of the last six games to close out the match smoothly.
“Despite the early trouble in the second set, it was a much less complicated result for Djokovic than their previous meeting, a 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 victory for the Serb in Shanghai a few weeks ago.”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is now one win away from claiming the 101st career tour-level title, joining Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) as the only men in the Open Era with 100+ titles.
Musetti secured his place in the final after a thrilling 6-0, 5-7, 7-5 victory over Sebastian Korda. Musetti had a strong start, leading 6-0, 4-3, but Korda fought back and even held a match point at 4-5 in the third set before Musetti regrouped to win.
“The American clawed back and even held a match point with Musetti serving at 4-5 in the third set, before the Italian regrouped to sneak it out.”
The upcoming final pits an emerging talent on the cusp of a breakthrough against one of the sport's greatest champions, making it a highly anticipated matchup.
Lorenzo Musetti is just one victory away from qualifying for the ATP Finals after a tough semi-final, where he will face Novak Djokovic, a legend aiming for his 101st title.