18-Year-Old Lorenzo Musetti Stuns Stan Wawrinka at Italian Open 2020
Follow Us
As North American hard-court summer season curtains down in the US, the clay-court tour kicks off in the European continent. Rome Masters or the Italian Open 2020 tournament as got underway in Italy and the second day of the big tennis event saw a big upset was pulled by the home-favorite teenager Lorenzo Musetti. The Italian lad defeated three-time Grand Slam Stan Wawrinka in the first round of Rome Masters.
It was a straight-forward defeat for World Number 17 Wawrinka, as he lost 6-0, 7-6 against the 18-year-old Musetti. The encounter was an epic experience in Musetti’s budding career as he conquered his first-ever ATP win.
He earned his way to the main draw in Rome by playing three taxing qualifying matches in the Masters 1000 event.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
During the match, within 33 minutes of time, Musetti sprinted to take a 6-0, 2-0 lead against Wawrinka. The Swiss star broke back and raised his hopes of staying in the battle. With Musetti on the driver’s seat, all the traffic was driven by the Italian lad with his incredible ability to strike sleek one-hand backhands just like his experienced-opponent.
Unfortunately, he couldn’t produce the biggest win of his career in front of his home-crowd as Rome Masters decided to carry court the tournament behind the closed doors.
Stan Wawrinka is Lorenzo Musetti’s Idol
Up next Musetti sets up his second-round clash against the Asian star Kei Nishikori. In Rome, the Japanese ace delivered his first ATP win since US Open 2019 after edging past Albert Ramos Vinolas in the opening round.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I have seen him play on television and I know he is a very tough player. I’m going to enjoy the victory before I start thinking about my match against Nishikori,” Musetti said.
Trending
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor
April 23, 2024 05:55 PM EDT
Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent
April 24, 2024 06:52 PM EDT
Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction
April 26, 2024 07:18 AM EDT
Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family
April 25, 2024 01:54 PM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
A stunner in Rome!
🇮🇹Lorenzo Musetti defeats Wawrinka to pick up his 1st tour-level win!#IBI20 pic.twitter.com/uPG3kvULN8
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) September 15, 2020
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“I’m so happy. When I saw the draw, that I was playing with one of my idols, with a one-handed backhand, it was amazing,” he reflected after his groundbreaking win.
35-year-old tennis champ Wawrinka won a title at Prague Challenge in the month of August. It was his first title since his comeback to the ATP Tour after undergoing knee surgery. With his loss in Italy, Stan will be meticulously working upon his preparation for French Open 2020.