Winner Over Zverev in Rome, Musetti Reaches Third Straight Masters 1000 Semifinal
After Monte-Carlo and Madrid, Lorenzo Musetti has now reached the semifinals of a Masters 1000 tournament for the third time in his career, this time in Rome. Facing Alexander Zverev, the Italian proved stronger, winning in straight sets 7-6, 6-4.
A surprise finalist in Monte-Carlo in early April, Musetti has since broken into the Top 10 and appears ready to stay there for a while. Dominant from the start of the Rome tournament (without dropping a single set), the world No. 9 took on defending champion Alexander Zverev tonight.
The first set was tightly contested, with Zverev taking the lead thanks to a break before surrendering it late in the set. The German, who will be the No. 3 seed at Roland-Garros, seemed in control when he led 6-5, 40-0 on his serve.
Four missed set points later, the two players went to a tiebreak. Rattled by the turn of events, Zverev completely collapsed, losing the tiebreak seven points to one.
The second set remained competitive, but Musetti, fueled by the crowd, secured his second break of the match at 4-4. A stunning down-the-line backhand winner helped him earn the break point. From there, he held his nerve to close out the match and advance to the semifinals.
He will face Carlos Alcaraz next, in a rematch of the Monte-Carlo final. Meanwhile, Zverev will lose 800 points next Monday, surrendering his No. 2 ranking to Alcaraz.
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