2020 in Review: 18-year-old Lorenzo Musetti stuns Stan Wawrinka in Rome

In the battle of the youngest and oldest players in the Rome main draw, an 18-year-old Lorenzo Musetti defeated the 35-year-old Stan Wawrinka 6-0, 7-6 in the first round. Thus, a qualifier delivered the first ATP victory for the 2002 generation, repeating what the fellow Italian Jannik Sinner did at Foro Italico a year ago against Steve Johnson for generation 2001. Musetti finished the job against the 10th seed in an hour and 23 minutes, showing his rich talent and the abilities to chase much higher ranking positions in the future. There was no crowd to support the youngster against a former finalist, but he had momentum on his side following qualifying victories. On the other hand, Wawrinka hadn't played since two Challengers in Prague in August, struggling to find the opener's rhythm and falling short in set number two to propel the Italian over the top. Lorenzo faced only one break point in the entire clash, getting broken but keeping the scoreboard under control with four straight breaks on his tally.

Serving at 72%, the youngster had the upper hand in the opening set, delivering three breaks for an impressive bagel. Wawrinka sprayed a forehand error in the first game for the worst start and found himself 3-0 down when his backhand landed long in game three. Delivering deep and efficient shots from both wings, Musetti grabbed another break at 4-0 and closed the opener on his serve a few minutes later. Stan had to chase the result from the second set's first game, dropping nine of the first ten games to find himself 6-0, 3-1 down!

Lorenzo Musetti defeated Stan Wawrinka in the opening round in Rome.

The three-time Major champion raised his level from that moment, pulling the break back at 2-3 following a loose drop shot from Lorenzo and fending off two break chances in the next game to move 4-3 in front after a booming serve. The returners stood no chance in the remaining five games to reach the tie break, a must-win one for Wawrinka. The Swiss sent a forehand long in the first point to give the youngster a mini-break, pulling it back for 1-1. Lorenzo opened a 3-1 lead following another wild forehand from Stan and moved further in front with a well-constructed attack and a volley winner. Returning at 6-2, the Italian landed a forehand crosscourt winner to seal the deal and score the biggest triumph of his young career, the first on the ATP level for him and his generatrion.

"I have seen Stan playing on TV, and I know he is a tough player to beat. I'm going to enjoy the victory before I start thinking about my next match against Nishikori. The first set was almost perfect. In the second, he tried to play better and raise his level. He was focused and determined to win the set, but I served well, mixing those and finding the right angles. I think the serve was the key that propelled me through," Lorenzo Musetti said.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/38XJtX5