Musetti withstands Jarry’s 43 winners to advance in Cincy
Italian was playing first hard court match since March
August 13, 2024
Mike Lawrence/ATP Tour
Lorenzo Musetti makes a winning return to hard court in Cincinnati.
By ATP Staff
Paris Olympics’ bronze medallist Lorenzo Musetti made a successful transition from clay to hard court Tuesday at the Cincinnati Open when he survived a third-set tie-break to defeat Chilean Nicolas Jarry
World No. 18 Musetti, who has reached five consecutive quarter-finals, including a career-best run to the Wimbledon semi-finals, edged Jarry 4-6, 7-6(5), 7-6(4) in his first hard-court match since Miami in March.
“I’m really happy to get the win today. I couldn’t find my game in the fast conditions at the beginning,” said Musetti, who won 85 per cent of first-serve points according to Infosys ATP Stats. “Coming from clay to hard is not the easiest thing to do. But I won two tie-breaks against a great server like Nico, so I’m really proud of the fight.
“It’s been more than three months since I’ve played on hard in Miami, but I’ve made so many results and achievements, so I’m trying to keep this consistency in my work.”
Jarry was valiant in defeat, crushing 25 forehand winners among 43 total winners and saving both break points he faced.
Musetti is 14th in the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin, hoping to make up enough ground between now and the end of the season to join countryman Jannik Sinner at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.
Musetti next faces American Frances Tiafoe. The players are locked at 2-2 in their Lexus ATP Head2Head series.
