ATP Athens: Musetti rallies past Wawrinka, keeps year-end Finals hopes alive

On November 5th local time, the ATP250 Athens event proceeded with the men’s singles second round, where Musetti’s hopes for the ATP year-end Finals seemed nearly lost, just two points away from elimination. Yet he came back to beat three-time Grand Slam winner Wawrinka 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4 and advanced to the last eight. To earn the Finals ticket, he needs to claim this ATP250 championship.

Musetti profile image

"I think everyone knows the goal I’ve been focused on, and playing with that in mind isn’t easy," Musetti said in a post-match interview. "But if I want to qualify for the Turin Finals, I have to lift the trophy here." Musetti was just two points away from defeat when he trailed 4-5 in the second set tiebreak, but the Swiss star then made consecutive unforced errors, allowing Musetti to convert a set point with a powerful forehand winner.

Musetti smiled and said, "At his age, his physical condition is still excellent; I hope to be like that at 40. Stan (Wawrinka) really gave it his all, but of course, I’m very happy with this win. It’s an honor to compete against a childhood idol on court. He showed amazing tennis today. I had to raise my level, especially in the third set, to win this match."

Musetti’s next opponent is the 5th seed, French player Miller. This match will be a chance for Musetti to avenge a previous loss to Miller at the 2023 Marrakech event. Miller saved match points in both earlier rounds to advance, including a comeback win against Echeverri in the second round with a 6-7(2), 7-6(4), 7-6(3) scoreline, where the Argentine had a match point at 6-5 in the second set.

Serbian player Kecmanovic overturned a 4-6, 2-6 deficit to eliminate 3rd seed Del Potro 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, reaching the quarterfinals of a tour event for the fourth time this season. Kecmanovic aims for his second title of the year (after Delray Beach) and will face American Korda in the quarters.

American player J. Giron defeated fellow countryman Brandon Nakashima 7-6(7), 6-1 to claim his first win in their three career meetings. His next opponent is German Hanfmann, who overcame Kopriva 6-2, 5-7, 7-5.

Men’s singles quarterfinal matchups:

Djokovic [1] vs. Bublik [6]

Giron vs. Hanfmann [Q]

Korda vs. Kecmanovic

Musetti [2] vs. Miller [5]

(Text and editing by Wang Fei, images courtesy of Visual China)