It wasn’t to be for Lorenzo Musetti in Chengdu, as he suffered another final defeat.
The Italian star was looking to end a run of four consecutive final losses, taking on Alejandro Tabilo at the Chengdu Open.
Unfortunately, Musetti couldn’t quite get over the line, failing to convert championship points as he lost to the Chilean qualifier, 3-6, 6-2, 6-7 [5-7].
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The match was played in good spirits, as Musetti and Tabilo gave it their all in China, although that’s not to say the final went by without incident.
Musetti was visibly frustrated during the first set, as he made several complaints to the umpire.
Lorenzo Musetti complained about noisy camera operators during Chengdu Open final
Preparing to serve at 1-2, 40-30 in the first set, Musetti was interrupted when a crowd member’s phone went off.
Waiting for the noise to die down, the Italian served, but lost the point as he complained to the umpire about another interruption.
“When I serve, the cameras [clicking noises],” Musetti could be heard saying.
To make matters worse, another phone went off before the next point, as Musetti grew increasingly frustrated.
After the next point, the world number nine approached the umpire again, asking him to request silence from all parties.
Photo by Zhong Zhi/Getty Images
Speaking on commentary for Sky Sports, former British number one Lucy Ahl shared her thoughts on Musetti’s annoyance.
“When it’s in your head, that’s all you can hear,” she said.
The matter was eventually resolved, although Musetti did drop the first set to Tabilo, 3-6.
Fighting back, the Italian grabbed the second set 6-2, and looked on course to clinch the title, earning himself championship points late on in the third.
Falling short in the end, Musetti missed out on a chance to add a third ATP title to his collection.
Devastated after the match, the Italian still had the composure to congratulate his victorious opponent.
Lorenzo Musetti congratulates Alejandro Tabilo and insists it’s only a ‘matter of time’ before he wins a title
During the post-match ceremonies, Musetti shared some kind words with the Chilean world number 112.
“Tough night for me, I guess. Probably was not my day,” he said.
“Of course, I want to congratulate Alejandro [Tabilo]; it was a really intense match, and we fought hard until the last point. There is only one winner in this sport. Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn, hopefully it is going to go better.
“I want to thank my team, my family watching at home, I have all the support, I think we are doing a good job, I think it’s a matter of time before we win a title, it’s three years now of making finals but never lifting the trophy, so every time we are a step closer.
FinalTierSurfaceOpponentResultScore2022 Hamburg OpenATP 500ClayCarlos AlcarazWin6-4, 6-7, 6-42022 Tennis Napoli CupATP 250HardMatteo BerrettiniWin7-6, 6-22024 Queen’s Club ChampionshipsATP 500GrassTommy PaulLoss1-6, 6-72024 Croatia OpenATP 250ClayFrancisco CerundoloLoss6-2, 4-6, 6-72024 Chengdu OpenATP 250HardJuncheng ShangLoss6-7, 1-62025 Monte-Carlo MastersMasters 1000ClayCarlos AlcarazLoss6-3, 1-6, 0-62025 Chengdu OpenATP 250HardAlejandro TabiloLoss3-6, 6-2, 6-7Lorenzo Musetti’s record in ATP finals
“Hopefully, next time is the lucky one.”
Tabilo then repaid the compliment, congratulating the Italian star on his performance.
“First off, congrats to Lorenzo and his team. Crazy match, tough finish, but I love battling with you, it was nice, hopefully we can do it again someday soon,” he said.
He proceeded to reflect on a tricky season, which saw him fall out of the world’s top 100.
“I really want to thank my team and my girlfriend. It’s been a very tough year, lots of injuries. Just being here right now is unbelievable,” said Tabilo.
Tabilo will now rise to 72nd in the world rankings, after a mightily impressive performance.
Alejandro Tabilo praised for having ‘nerves of steel’ in Chengdu Open final
After the match, Ahl shared her thoughts on Tabilo’s third ATP title win.
“Just unbelievable, the shock on his face. It has been a ridiculous week after such a tough year. He’s done this before, qualified and then ended up winning the title, nerves of steel,” she said.
“Kept going for it, [Lorenzo] Musetti distraught there, he was so close, wasn’t he?”
The 51-year-old analysed some of the key statistics from Monday’s final.
“Look at the numbers, I don’t think Musetti can believe it. 37 winners, just 23 unforced errors. Tabilo 44 errors from him, he didn’t hold back, did he?” she said.
“Worked well coming forward, did a good job coming to the net, putting pressure on Musetti.
“It’s all about the key points. Musetti had the three chances to break in the third, found himself in a breaker, two championship points, but it was down to the guts and determination of Tabilo.”
Tabilo will now head over to Tokyo for the Japan Open, where he will play Belgium’s Zizou Bergs on Thursday, September 25, while Musetti travels to Beijing for round one of the China Open against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard.