Lorenzo Musetti was beaten by Novak Djokovic at the Athens Open after an entertaining final with the legendary figure.
The Italian went into the final knowing that only a win would be enough to see him oust Felix Auger-Aliassime and make the ATP Finals in Turin.
Djokovic hailed Musetti after coming through in three sets to win the tournament that took place in the city where he now resides.
Musetti praised Stan Wawrinka earlier in the tournament after winning a match that he probably should have lost, and now he’s received more positive news despite his defeat to Djokovic.
Lorenzo Musetti is pleased that the ATP is changing one rule for next year
Shortly after losing to Djokovic, Musetti received the phone call to say that he would actually be playing at the ATP Finals, with the Serbian legend withdrawing through injury.
Pundits have disagreed over whether Djokovic would play the ATP Finals, and now the decision has come that a shoulder injury has scuppered the 24-time Grand Slam winner’s chances of competing.
Most players would be ecstatic at the thought of getting to compete in the ATP Finals, but it would appear that the Italian is a little bit more reserved.
Next year, the cut-off for the ATP Finals will come after the Paris Masters, and Musetti believes that it will be so much better for the players competing to make the event.
He said in his press conference: “Novak told me on the court that he won’t be going to Turin. Not sure how to feel now after the loss in the finals here, but Novak told me that. It’s better that the Race to Turin will stop after Paris next year.”
Who will Lorenzo Musetti play at the ATP Finals
It caps a fine year for Musetti to get the nod to play at the ATP Finals, and he will be competing at the event for the very first time.
Musetti simply takes the place in the group which Djokovic found himself in, with Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz and Alex de Minaur set to face the Italian.
Clearly, the players who actually qualified for the tournament will probably be happy to see Djokovic pull out of the event, with his year still being largely successful despite a lack of big wins.
Musetti will be pleased to make the event when the dust settles a little bit, and having enjoyed a solid end to the year himself, he will come into it with some momentum.
Musetti is right, however, and the fact that the cutoff next year will come after the Paris Masters will allow a less frantic approach to those still vying to confirm their place at the ATP Finals.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
