Lorenzo Musetti wins opening match at Next Gen finals

Lorenzo Musetti got off to the perfect start at the Next Gen ATP finals with a comfortable 4-2 4-2 4-2 victory over Chun-Hsin Tseng

Musetti, who is ranked 23 in the world, hit 17 winners and showed elite touch at the net to ensure his campaign got off to winning start at the 21 and under event.

The Italian thrilled the home crowd with a vibrant display and will hope to improve upon his performance at the event last year, where he was defeated at the round robin stage.

‘’It was really nice’’, he said in his on-court interview.

‘’I remember playing here last year, the crowd here is really amazing. They gave me extra energy. I am pretty confident and happy with the win.’’

Lorenzo Musetti has had an excellent year, with a maiden career title coming in Hamburg in July before more success on home soil in Naples only last month.

He now has the top 20 in his sights as he looks to improve further ahead of the Australian Open in January and next season overall.

Tseng is currently 90 in the rankings, and only the second Asian to appear at the event, after the 2017 champion and 2018 Australian Open semi finalist, Hyeon Chung.

He has shown promise this season, with victory coming at two ATP Challenger Tour events this season.

Musetti’s group also includes Britain’s Jack Draper, who suffered a surprise defeat to Dominic Stricker.

Stricker won 4-3 (5), 4-3 (5), 4-3 (5) in their opening Red Group match.

The Swiss is ranked 111 in the world and claimed four top 40 wins this year. He has also won two Challengers.

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