Lorenzo Musetti had hoped to pull off a strong result at the Paris Masters 1000 this week and mathematically qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals, scheduled to take place in Turin from November 9-16, but his run in the French capital came to an immediate end in the Italian derby against his compatriot Lorenzo Sonego.
The star from Carrara had won the first set without too much difficulty and seemed to be on his way to a victory in two sets, but the inertia of the match changed after Musetti wasted two break points favoring the comeback of his friend and compatriot. Lorenzo's level dropped further in the third set and his performance was quite clear, with Sonego almost apologizing to him when they shook hands.
This untimely lossin the last Masters 1000 of the season complicates Musetti's plans ahead of the ATP Finals, as the current world number 8 will have to watch Felix Auger-Aliassime's results very carefully. The Canadian occupies ninth position in the ATP Race with a delay of 390 points compared to Lorenzo, but Felix is still in the running in Paris and has just reached the quarterfinals by beating German ace Daniel Altmaier in a huge comeback. Aliassime will face one of the most in-form players in the world right now Valentin Vacherot and if he were to reach the semifinals his disadvantage to Musetti would drop to just 40 points, with the Metz and Athens tournaments scheduled for next week being decisive.
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Musetti failed in Paris
To the microphones of 'Sky Sport Italy' after the loss against Sonego, Musetti confessed that he is very tired: There was definitely a lot of mental fatigue at the end. I couldnt get going and find the energy, especially in the third set, and that definitely made the difference.
He also added: Its a shame, because at the start I had control of the game, but then I was at the mercy of what Lorenzo Sonego was doing.
It is likely that the Italian star will have to ask for a wild card for Athens or Metz.
