Lorenzo Musetti I just can’t catch a break. The Italian No.3 landed in Melbourne after finishing second in Hong Kong, where he lost to Alexander Bublik. He arrived nursing elbow pain, sparking concerns ahead of the Australian Open which begins next week. Still, he remained upbeat and looked ready to test himself in the opening week showdown against world No. 3. Alexander Zverev. But it didn’t really turn out the way he wanted.
On Tuesday, the two faced off in what looked like a first top-five showdown. Sascha edged out a tight first set after a grueling 75 minutes, winning the tie-break before Lorenzo was forced to retire due to a painful left hip problem. The young Italian requested a medical timeout and decided not to take any further risks, choosing to protect his body ahead of the first Major of the 2026 season.
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Before things unfolded, Lorenzo Musetti had shown real combativeness. The 2024 Australian Open finalist broke in the fifth game with a dazzling backhand winner, then saved a set point at 4-5 and came back to tie it at 5-5. Zverev kept his cool with a crisp volley to reach the tie-break, where the drama ratcheted up a notch.
The world No. 5 managed a mini-break at 4-3 and even earned a set point after Zverev made a forehand error. But the German refused to fold, landing a smash at 6-6 and an ace at 7-7 before sealing the set 9-7 after another Musetti forehand went wide. Moments later, the Italian’s night ended early, with his hopes now turning to recovery before the big stage at Melbourne Park opens next week.
This is a developing story…
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The position Lorenzo Musetti brutally responds to Alexander Zverev as injuries take hold at Australian Open appeared first on EssentiallySport.
