Lorenzo Musetti aims to maintain his remarkable momentum this season as he prepares to face Alex Michelsen in the third round of the National Bank Open in Toronto. The match features two young talents, with Musetti seeded third and Michelsen seeded 26th. Both players earned first-round byes, with Musetti defeating qualifier James Duckworth easily, while Michelsen triumphed over Tomas Barrios Vera in straight sets.
Musetti, who reached a career-high ranking of No. 6 last month, is having the best season of his career. He began strongly with quarterfinal finishes in Argentina and Hong Kong but faced some adversity, struggling with injuries that kept him out of recent events in Rio and Barcelona. His return has been impressive, highlighted by a finals appearance at the Monte Carlo Masters and semifinal spots in Madrid, Rome, and the French Open. Musetti’s powerful game showcases his ability to hit 120 aces, winning 69% of first-serve points and converting 39% of break points.
Michelsen, already making waves since turning professional in 2023, boasts a current ranking of No. 34. The young American reached the quarterfinals in Auckland and the fourth round of the Australian Open. His achievements include a Challenger title victory in Estoril and several impressive performances on the ATP circuit. With 177 aces under his belt, he has demonstrated his capability on the court, winning 70% of first-serve points.
Although both players have not met on the court yet, Musetti’s experience in high-stakes matches may give him an edge in their upcoming encounter. Betting odds favor him, reinforcing his position as a strong contender based on his performance this season.
The anticipation for this match is high, as Musetti seeks to regain his optimal form after dealing with injuries, while Michelsen aims to make a statement against a top-tier opponent. This clash not only highlights their individual journeys but also the excitement surrounding the next generation of tennis stars.