In the three previous matches Lorenzo had always lost to the American, this time he beat him 7-6 (3) 1-6 6-1 7-5 in two hours and 55 minutes with a great finale that was worth access to the second round.
Lorenzo Musetti starts off well at the US Open. The Italian, seeded number 18, reaches the second round by beating the American Reilly Opelka for the first time in his career. Opelka, who had defeated Musetti at the 2021 US Open and who had won three times in three previous matches against the Carrara native. Lorenzo, who has a blank in the second set, wins 7-6 (3) 1-6 6-1 7-5 in two hours and 55 minutes, after an incredible end to the match.
THE MATCH
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The first set is totally dominated by the serves. Opelka clings to his first serve and survives the sixth game, the one in which he cancels four break points. Musetti never takes risks on serve and the match slips to a tie-break. There Musetti takes charge with his return and also takes advantage of the American’s inaccuracies. Opelka commits a double fault that cuts his legs and Lorenzo closes the set in exactly one hour, with a tie-break dominated 7-3. The second set seems to start along the same lines as the first, but Musetti has a clear empty passage. The American scores 5 consecutive games, with Lorenzo who is faulty and gets nervous. Opelka closes the set with a powerful 6-1 in 34 minutes.
THE THIRD SET
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Musetti understands that the match is all to be won and gives a twist to the match at the dawn of the third set. Break with a forehand passing shot, partial of 12 points to 1 and Opelka completely in doll. Lorenzo finds the double break after a fourth hard-fought game and puts the final credits on the partial. Musetti gives the 6-1 back to his opponent in 31 minutes.
EPILOGUE
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Opelka, a great hitter, starts serving very hard again in the fourth set, when everything suggests an easy victory for Musetti. Reilly also finds the break, playing two extraordinary points in the second game. The American confirms it and goes up 3-0. Opelka builds the entire partial on the break he gained at the beginning of the set and at 5-3 he finds himself ahead 40-0, with three set points in his favor! It seems all done for the fifth, but the incredible happens. Musetti cancels everything, Opelka has two more opportunities and wastes them, even squandering 5 set points (at 40-15 the American throws away a backhand with the court wide open). Lorenzo takes advantage of the sensational double faults by Opelka, who loses the craziest game of the match and puts everything back into question. In the wake of the enthusiasm the Italian holds serve, gets the break at 15 and goes to serve for the match. Everything simple for Lorenzo, with the American now in the locker room. It’s the second round for Musetti.
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2024-09-01 11:27:51
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