Felix Augier Aliassime beats Lorenzo Musetti (6/2 6/3) in the UniCredit Firenze Open semi-finals on Saturday, the 15th of October.
Currently seventh in the Race-to-Turin, Felix Auger-Aliassime could reach the ATP Finals for the first time. The three remaining spots will be challenged until the end of October. Several young players such as Jannik Sinner or Taylor Fritz hope to be part of the 2022 top 8 as well.
The young Canadian hasn’t had much success during his former finals: one win for eight losses. This week, he showed great consistency. He only let go two sets. The first seed could keep the momentum going to clinch his second career title.
During the first set, Felix Auger-Aliassime demonstrated his aggressiveness. He dominated the rallies thanks to amazing first serves. Standing on his baseline, he showed initiative. Lorenzo Musetti, on the defense, fought back with a great ball depth: 3/2. As the Italian struggled after his second serves, he granted the first break point – immediately converted by his opponent: 4/2. Even if Musetti had three occasions to get his break back, Felix Auger-Aliassime managed to keep his serve. The latter took the first chance he had to win the set on his rival’s serve: 6/2.
The second set kept on in the same direction. Both players showed authority during their first games of serve: 2/2. The Canadian played a risky but efficient tennis: very few unforced errors despite the difficult areas searched. His rival remained passive. As he was standing several meters behind his baseline, he underwent constant attacks. Once again, he granted three break points to Felix Auger-Aliassime – who seized the last one: 4/2. The first seed missed his first match point on his opponent’s serve: 5/3. He clinched his second finals of 2022 with a love game: 6/3.
During this match, the young Canadian player showed consistency. Carried by amazing first balls, he imprinted his style of game : powerful rallies from the back of the court, points finished at the net and balls hit early. As for Lorenzo Musetti, he fired up the Italian audience. The fans were on their feet after his dropshots, one-handed backhands down the line and his passing shots. Nevertheless, the strokes of genius of the 28th player of the world weren’t enough. Because of his wait-and-see attitude, he didn’t manage to disturb his opponent.
The other finalist of the Unicredit Firenze Open is J.J Wolf. There is a lot at stakes for the first encounter between the two players. Felix Auger-Aliassime could score precious points for the Nitto ATP Finals while the American will try to clinch a first career title.
Marnie Abbou
read more in french : https://sixiemeset.com/felix-auger-aliassime-en-quete-dun-second-titre/
