Carlos Alcaraz expressed his relief at facing Italian player Lorenzo Musetti at the ATP Finals instead of the seasoned Novak Djokovic, following his successful debut in the prestigious event. Alcaraz, the top seed from Spain, secured a convincing 7-6(5), 6-2 victory over Australian Alex de Minaur, finally overcoming his previous struggles in season-ending championships where he lost his opening matches twice before.
In reflecting on his performance, Alcaraz stated, “I’m just really, really happy with the level that I played today. First match is never easy.” He highlighted the significance of this win, noting that it marked his first round-robin victory on the first day of competition.
Musetti stepped in for Djokovic after the Serbian, a seven-time champion of the Finals, withdrew due to injury shortly after defeating Musetti in Athens. Alcaraz acknowledged the formidable challenge Djokovic represents, particularly in indoor conditions, recalling a previous match in which he fell short against the legendary player.
Musetti, for his part, recognized the oddity of Djokovic’s timing in competing just before the ATP Finals and revealed that he found out about the withdrawal post-match in Athens. “I think Novak was completely in the rules of the ATP, of the tournament itself,” Musetti commented while reflecting on the situation.
As Musetti gears up for his debut at the ATP Finals against Alcaraz, he faces the added challenge of not having practiced at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, unlike Alcaraz who showcased great form in his opening match. Alcaraz, however, welcomes the matchup, favoring playing against Musetti. He added, “If he’s there, he deserves it because of the level he has put on in the matches, the tournaments he has done this year.”
The excitement continues to build around the ATP Finals, where emerging talents like Alcaraz and Musetti are poised to deliver thrilling performances. As Alcaraz looks to capitalize on his good start, the tennis community remains hopeful for a captivating series of matches, illustrating the ever-evolving landscape of the sport with young stars stepping into the spotlight.