Sport · Malaysia Bureau
Top-seeded Zverev stumbles at Paris Masters, bows to Musetti
World number one Alexander Zverev's campaign at the Paris Masters ended in disappointment on Wednesday as Italian Lorenzo Musetti secured a commanding straight-sets victory. The German star's uncharacteristically error-prone display proved costly against the 24-year-old challenger.
LSN Malaysia ·
Musetti dispatched Zverev 7-6(7-5), 6-2 in a last-32 encounter that saw the top seed struggle to impose his game throughout. The Italian dominated the second set to secure a decisive progression at the French indoor hardcourt tournament.
Zverev's exit marks a significant stumble for the tournament's top-ranked player. The German committed multiple unforced errors during the match, particularly in the opening set, which was decided in a closely contested tiebreak. Musetti capitalised on Zverev's inconsistency to build momentum heading into the second set.
The 24-year-old Italian showcased superior court positioning and precision striking to advance through the draw. Musetti's comfortable second-set performance demonstrated his growing confidence as he continues to establish himself among the sport's leading contenders.
Zverev's early departure underscores the unpredictable nature of indoor hardcourt tennis, where conditions can significantly favour aggressive baseline players such as Musetti. The result serves as a reminder that even top-ranked competitors face stiff competition at prestigious Masters events.