As the ATP Finals approach next week, the intense rivalry for the eighth and final qualification spot is reaching a critical junction. Italian sensation Lorenzo Musetti is vying to reclaim his position from Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, who recently overtook him by making a deep run at the Paris Masters.
Musetti finds himself trailing Auger-Aliassime by 190 points and must secure victory at the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championships in Athens, an ATP 250 event, to leapfrog back into the coveted eighth place. However, the path forward has become clearer after Auger-Aliassime, the top seed for the Moselle Open, withdrew from the tournament in Metz, France, due to a knee injury, effectively vacating his hold on the ranking.
Musetti, who has secured the second seed in Athens, will need to overcome one significant hurdle: the formidable Novak Djokovic. The Serbian superstar is not only the draw’s top seed but is also recently settled in Athens, where he showcased his prowess against Chilean Alejandro Tabilo. Djokovic, who previously faced a 0-2 record against Tabilo, turned the tables with a decisive 7-6(3), 6-1 victory, marking an encouraging start to his preparations for the ATP Finals.
“It feels really at home, playing in Athens,” Djokovic expressed with warmth. His fondness for Greece shines through as he remarked, “Serbians love Greece for many reasons, historically, culturally, and religiously, we have much in common.”
At 38 years old, Djokovic achieved his 225th quarterfinal appearance with this win, alleviating any lingering concerns about his fitness as the season winds down. He will face Nuno Borges in the next round, who edged past American qualifier Eliot Spizzirri in a competitive matchup.
Musetti’s challenge begins with a second-round clash against the veteran Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam winner. Wawrinka, aged 40, expressed respect for Musetti, acknowledging the test that lies ahead. “He’s playing so well. I’ve watched him play many matches this year, and I’m looking forward to seeing where I am against him,” Wawrinka commented, emphasizing the importance of this encounter for both players.
Meanwhile, in Metz, Cameron Norrie has advanced to the quarterfinals of the Moselle Open after a hard-fought battle against French player Arthur Cazaux, clinching victory with a score of 6-7(1), 7-6(7), 6-2. This marks Norrie’s fifth quarterfinal appearance of the season, and he now looks ahead to face either Lucky Loser Dan Added or compatriot Kyrian Jacquet.
Reflecting on his match, Norrie shared his determination, stating, “It’s always a battle. He’s a very talented player. I had to fight hard to get into the match and to overcome my own battles.”
Also advancing in Metz was former champion Lorenzo Sonego, who secured his spot by defeating fourth-seeded Flavio Cobolli with a comeback victory of 2-6, 6-3, 7-5. As the tournament progresses, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting finish to the ATP season.
