Italian tennis player Lorenzo Musetti sees off world No. 14 Taylor Fritz in straight sets to capture his first title in four years in Lyon on Sunday.
World No. 26 Lorenzo Musetti delivered an outstanding performance to defeat second seed Taylor Fritz 6-3, 6-4 in 82 minutes, claiming the Grand Prix Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes title.
In his on-court interview, the Italian player outlined: “It is totally unexpected for the history of this tournament for me this week. It is such a rollercoaster.
“I saved four match points and then played a fantastic final. Before I stepped on court, I was feeling pain everywhere. But when I stepped on court, I started to focus on the match and the tennis; I think it was my best," he added.
"I am really proud and happy of this.”
En route to a maiden Lyon crown, he fought back from a set down in the semifinals to knock out top seed Flavio Cobolli in an enthralling three-set contest.
Previously, he notched his 200th career win on Tour after fending off four match points to edge Luca Van Assche in a gruelling three-hour, 33-minute late-night contest.
As It Happened
Musetti made a fast start to the final, damaging his opponent with some spectacular shotmaking.
He took the early break in the second game, firing a sublime forehand down the line and holding to love to take a 3-0 lead.
Fritz put his foot in the match in the fifth game, but the inspired Italian neutralized the big-serving American to pocket the first set 6-3 in just 33 minutes.
The No. 2 seed regrouped in the second set, pushing his adversary in extended rallies.
However, the 24-year-old Italian continued to impose his game, mixing his shotmaking while shutting the door with his superb all-court coverage.
As a result, Fritz conceded the break in the third game, while the former world No. 5's timing remained on point, extending his advantage to 3-1.
Despite kicking up a level, the world No. 14 failed to capitalize on his chances.
Meanwhile, the sixth seed continued to dictate the rhythm, as wise on attack as on defense, inching closer to the finish line.
In the 10th game, he served out the championship 6-4, clinching his third career ATP title, his first in four years without facing a break point throughout the final.
Overall, he hit 19 winners against 11 unforced errors, converted two of four break points, and won 74 percent of the points on his first serve.
Next, Musetti will head to Vienna, where he will meet sixth seed Frances Tiafoe in the first round.