The Battle for Turin

Both players are chasing a spot in the ATP Finals...

So yes, there is a lot at stake here! Both players had a BYE and have won their other two matches in straight sets. I was really impressed by Musetti in his win against Darderi, a high-quality match in every aspect from both players. Lorenzo has a very balanced game, and these courts suit him nicely; they are not too fast, which is his biggest issue when he gets rushed. Felix has been solid as well, but it's been a lot about his serve and forehand, as usual... his backhand and return have been OK, nothing more. Felix had a good run in the USO, but there is something about his opponents: Billy Harris, Safiullin, Zverev, Rublev, ADM, and Sinner. Those are one-dimensional players that he likes to play; he can get into his rhythm and up the tempo (except against Sinner, who does this better). And that's where we have a really good FAA... playing in rhythm, able to make the difference with his forehand and serve. I like the matchup against Musetti for him less since Lorenzo is great at disrupting the rhythm with his variety, and also due to the fact that FAA prefers to stay at the baseline rather than to hit a good approach shot and move to the net, which is very good against Musetti! Well, there are some good things for FAA... they are playing on hard court and not clay. He should also be fresher than Musetti, since his matches have been straightforward, and he did not play any other tournament in Asia - Musetti is playing his ninth match. And we have to mention the fact that Musetti retired against Tien in Beijing, even if it was just perhaps a precaution...