HAMBURG — Italian youngster Lorenzo Musetti held off Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic final to win his first ATP Tour title at the clay-court event after winning the Hamburg Open.
The 20-year-old saw five match points come and go in the second set before eventually securing a 6-4, 6-7 (6/8), 6-4 victory.
“I have no words because it was a roller-coaster until the end,” Musetti said according to AFP.
“I had so many match points. Carlos was so good on the match points, (I had) so many chances.” Alcaraz, who is the youngest player to break into the world’s top five since Rafael Nadal in 2005, missed out on a sixth ATP title as he lost a final for the first time.
The Spanish teenager looked to be heading for a straight-sets defeat, but saved two match points when Musetti served for the title when leading 5-4 in the second set.
The world number 62 missed another three match points in the tie-break, but finally got over the line at the sixth time of asking 50 minutes later.
“Of course I was really upset (after missing match points), but I tried to not show my opponent my reaction,” Musetti, who was playing in his first ATP final, said.
“I tried to forgive (myself for) all the match points and all the points (when) I couldn’t do it.”
Musetti also set the tone early in the second set by gaining a break in the first game, but the World No. 62 couldn’t serve it out it the 10th game after missing two match points. Alcaraz saved three more match points in the tie-break and pushed the encounter the distance.
The atmosphere heated up in the decider, but Musetti kept his cool. He showed his mental fortitude and finally converted his sixth match point when the 19-year-old Spaniard missed a backhand after two hours and 46 minutes.
“You inspire me a lot,” Musetti told Alcaraz during the trophy ceremony. “I work harder. The ATP uploaded our videos from two years ago, when we were still kids playing Challengers. We are still young but we both played better.”
The Carrara native added later in his press conference: “It was a rollercoaster, one of my best matches and it was maybe even more emotional than winning 6-4, 6-4. I think we both played three hours of fantastic tennis.
“We showed our best. I had so many opportunities, but he came back. When I lost the second set, I thought it was over but then I found my last energy and, in the end, hard work pays off. I am really happy to be the champion.”
