The ATP Finals crowd favorite pulled off a miraculous comeback and dedicated it to his soon-to-be-born son

Lorenzo Musetti is still in contention at the ATP Finals, albeit at 3-5 in the deciding set of the match with Alex de Minaurthe second for both in the “Jimmy Connors” group, it seemed that the Italian's adventure would have a disappointing end.

Almost miraculously, however, the one entered the competition after his retirement Novak Djokovic found the resources to turn the tables. Buoyed on by the Inalpi Arena crowd, he built a sensational comeback and won the thriller match 7-5, 3-6, 7-5.

“I really struggled physically because Alex raised the level and internality when I was struggling to find solutions” Lorenzo said after the match. “But in the end, with a big heart and a huge passion for this sport, I don't know where, I started to feel better and play better“, he added.

Less than two days earlier, Musetti had looked a pale, tired version of himself in his opening match with Taylor Fritz. In front of the Australian, however, he came close many times in the match to a stellar level. As with the match ball, a forehand passing shot from the run.

The match Lorenzo Musetti – Alex de Minaur

Later in the press conference, the world number 9 said that this victory will have “a special place in my heart because it's the first ATP Finals and because of how it all happened. It was a difficult match where I had to push myself physically to the limit“.

Lorenzo Musetti: “The most emotional victory of his career”

He also said to whom he dedicates: “To Leandro who will be born soon and will be with us“, stated Musetti, referring to his and partner Veronica Confalonieri's second child. They also have a little boy, Ludovico, born on March 15, 2024.

It is not only a special victory, but also an emotional one, “probably the most emotional of my career. Qualifying was difficult, very close to not getting here. Having the audience with me made things even more special. Hugging with the team, family, friends is the real win, I was happy to share it with them immediately“.

Lorenzo Musetti in action at the ATP Finals Photo: Imago Images

From this group, all four players have a chance to qualify for the semi-finals. Lorenzo's next opponent is ATP leader Carlos Alcaraz, who has won both of his matches so far with Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz.

“I'm a fighterMusetti pointed out.I have improved a lot mentally and push myself to the limit because here every match is against a top opponent. The next one will be with Carlos. I know how difficult it is under these conditions. The hardest match in the group. I am favored by one thing, and that is the audience. Let's hope they can do a miracle“, concluded the Italian.

He is making his debut at the Tour of Champions, having made finals in Monte Carlo, Chengdu and Athens this year, amassing a record of 45 wins and 21 losses over the course of the season.