Lorenzo Musetti fought but then collapsed completely. © APA/afp / JORGE GUERRERO

Musetti collapses – hope rests on Sinner

The Davis Cup semi-final between Italy and Serbia began on Saturday afternoon with a victory for Novak Djokovic's team. Miomir Kecmanovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti in three sets.

25 November 2023

From: do

Jannik Sinner is now under pressure. In the semi-finals of the Davis Cup, the Azzurri suffered a defeat in the first duel between Lorenzo Musetti (ATP 27) and Miomir Kecmanovic (ATP 55), leaving Serbia the first point. Musetti, who replaced Matteo Arnaldi this time, lost to the 24-year-old in a varied game 7:6(7), 6:2 and 6:1.

In the first games of the match, a one-sided balance of power emerged, Musetti was completely out of line, immediately lost his first service game and almost lost his second as well, leaving him 0-3 behind. But the Azzurro pulled himself together and slowly stood up to the strong Serb. He became livelier, suddenly he placed his shots on the other side of the net and even won the first set in the tiebreak 7:6 (7).

Kecmanovic impressed with his excellent fitness. © ANSA / Daniel Perez

But this show of strength took its toll on the Italian, who then collapsed completely. The brief rebellion ended after he won the set and Kecmanovic had little trouble with his 21-year-old opponent. Set 2 went to the Serb 6:2 and in the third, decisive set, number 55 completely overcame the Azzurro. 2 breaks made it 0:4 against Mussetti, who was struggling with physical problems in his thigh and could no longer keep up. In no time at all Kecmanovic made it 6:1 and thus gained the Serbs' advantage over the Italians.

Sinner can fix it

This means that Jannik Sinner now has to win against Novak Djokovic if the Azzurri make it to the final, where Australia awaits after their triumph over Finland. Should the South Tyrolean win, the semi-finals would be decided in doubles.