Lorenzo Musetti made a winning start at the final Masters 1000 of the season in Paris, overcoming Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz 7-6, 7-6. The Italian will face a major challenge in the second round against newly crowned world No. 1 Alexander Zverev.
Musetti, who recently won the title in Lyon before a disappointing appearance at the Vienna ATP 500, said his confidence had returned after the victory. He saved two set points in the second tie-break and won 80% of the points behind his first serve, which landed 79% of the time. He also hit 31 direct service winners.
The Italian described the match as difficult because both players served effectively and the fast court limited extended rallies. Musetti holds a 3-2 record in his previous meetings with Zverev.
Mattia Bellucci also progressed after defeating fellow Italian Lorenzo Sonego 6-4, 6-3. Bellucci will learn his second-round opponent on Tuesday, when Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo faces France’s Arthur Rinderknech.
Luciano Darderi was beaten by Australia’s Rinky Hijikata, who conceded only four games and defeated the Italian for the third consecutive time. Matteo Arnaldi also exited after losing 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to Cameron Norrie. Arnaldi dominated the second set, but Norrie secured the decisive break in the fifth game of the third and protected his advantage with a strong serve. The Briton will next face fourth-ranked American Ben Shelton.
Italy’s Paris contingent also includes Matteo Berrettini, who will make his first-round debut against American Brandon Nakashima, and Flavio Cobolli, who enters the tournament in the second round on Wednesday.
Sources: ANSA Sport.