Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo to Juggle ATP Final and Olympic Debut
As the Paris Olympics officially commenced on Friday, two rising tennis stars, Lorenzo Musetti and Francisco Cerundolo, found themselves facing a unique challenge. Just hours after securing their places in the Umag final, they were set to embark on their Olympic journeys.
Musetti, the second seed in Umag, showcased his impressive form by dispatching Jakub Mensik in straight sets. The Italian converted all five break points he created, demonstrating the confidence he gained from his recent Wimbledon semifinal appearance.
Meanwhile, Cerundolo, the fourth seed, upset top seed Andrey Rublev in a thrilling encounter. The Argentine saved five of the six break points he faced, proving his resilience and determination.
Both players are seeking their first ATP title of the year and third overall. However, their immediate focus is on the Umag final, which will take place on Saturday.
However, their Olympic aspirations loom large. First-round singles and doubles matches are scheduled to be completed before Monday, meaning Musetti and Cerundolo will have to balance their ATP commitments with their Olympic responsibilities.
In Paris, Musetti will face home favorite Gael Monfils in the first round, while Cerundolo will take on Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera of Chile.
The demanding schedule will undoubtedly test their physical and mental limits, but both players are eager to embrace the challenge.
“I think I am loving this country so far. Played eight matches and I won them all,” said Cerundolo after his victory in Umag. “Hopefully I can end up tomorrow with another win, another title.”
Musetti echoed Cerundolo’s sentiments, expressing pride in his performance and readiness for the Olympic stage.
“Really proud of what I showed tonight. I think I probably played my best tennis,” said the 22-year-old.
The Umag final and the Olympic debut of Musetti and Cerundolo promise to be captivating spectacles, showcasing the extraordinary talent and determination of these rising stars.
