Musetti knocks out Zverev in Vienna quarterfinals
- No. 3-ranked Alexander Zverev faced Lorenzo Musetti in the quarterfinals of the Erste Bank Open in Vienna.
- Despite leading in the second set, Zverev lost the match after Musetti mounted a comeback.
- This defeat marks another loss for Zverev against Musetti, significant for the Italian's career.
The Erste Bank Open quarterfinals on October 25, 2024, saw a notable upset as No. 3-ranked Alexander Zverev lost to Lorenzo Musetti in Vienna, Austria. Zverev had a strong start, winning the first set 6-2 and gaining a commanding 3-0 lead in the second set tiebreaker. However, he failed to capitalize on this momentum, allowing Musetti to rally and take control of the match. Musetti's performance was remarkable as he overcame the initial deficit, raising his game and demonstrating tenacity. He won the second set tiebreaker 7-6 (5) before closing out the final set 6-4. This victory was particularly meaningful for Musetti, who expressed that it represented a significant milestone in his career given Zverev's past success in Vienna. Zverev's loss is a disappointing outcome for the former champion who was favored to advance. This defeat reflects continuing challenges for him within high-pressure matches against lower-seeded opponents, particularly against Musetti, whom he had previously lost to at the Paris Olympics. As Musetti progresses, he will face Jack Draper in the semifinals, while Zverev must regroup after this disappointing exit. The match lasted 2.5 hours, showcasing the intense competition at this ATP event.