Musetti is first Italian medallist for 100 years
Lorenzo Musetti has become the first Italian player in 100 years to win a medal in Olympic tennis, with a 6-4 1-6 6-3 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime to secure a bronze in the men’s singles.
Under a closed roof on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros, Musetti followed in the footsteps of Uperto de Morpurgo, who also finished with a bronze medal in Paris back in 1924.
The Italian collapsed on the floor in delight before proudly punching his chest where his country’s flag was displayed.
Musetti started the brighter of the two players, securing a break in the opening game of the match, and his showmanship was on full display with a wonderful tweener lob to move 3-1 up.
But Auger-Aliassime battled back, breaking for 4-4, as the roof above Court Philippe Chatrier slowly made its way across the night sky to shield the players from light rain.
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There’s a reason that Musetti has been one of the form players in the last month. The Italian has reached two Tour finals and put in a career-best performance at a Grand Slam with a semi-final finish at Wimbledon and the Italian drew on those recent experiences to close out the first set 6-4.
If Auger-Aliassime had been a little slow out of the blocks in the opening set, he was warmed up and ready to go in the second. The Canadian’s big shot-making was plain for all to see as he outmuscled the man in blue, taking the second set 6-1 to force a decider.
With one set left to decide who would take home a bronze medal, both players peaked at the same time and the fans that stayed to watch an eighth hour of tennis were rewarded with some simply sublime rallies.
It was the Italian that was asking more questions of his opponent’s serve and he made the pivotal breakthrough in the eight game before calmly serving out the match.
When asked how he would celebrate, Musetti said: "I’ll probably eat a pizza. I’m craving a pizza because I’ve been eating chicken and pasta for days now."