Lorenzo Musetti stuns Taylor Fritz to end seven-final losing streak in Lyon

Lorenzo Musetti stuns Taylor Fritz to end seven-final losing streak in Lyon

Lorenzo Musetti defeated Taylor Fritz to win the Grand Prix Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes in Lyon on Sunday.

Musetti rose to No. 5 in the world at the start of the year, but leg, thigh, and finger injuries have seen him drop outside the top 25 in the rankings. However, the 24-year-old may have turned the corner after beating Fritz 6-3 6-4 in France this weekend.

The American hadn't been broken all week but he dropped serve in his first service game as Musetti made a lightning-fast start.

The Italian has had a gruelling week, playing lung-busting three-setters against Luca van Assche and top seed Flavio Cobolli - who he saved who saved four match points  against - in the last two rounds.

Heading into this showpiece event, Musetti had lost seven ATP Tour finals in a row, including a straight-sets loss to Alexander Bublik in Hong Kong right at the start of the year.

But the Italian star would not be denied this time as he served out the match to claim the third title of his career.

"It is totally unexpected for the history of this tournament for me this week. It is such a rollercoaster," he said on court.

"I saved four match points and then played a fantastic final. Before I stepped on court I was feeling pain everywhere. But when I stepped on court I started to focus on the match and the tennis I think was my best. I am really proud and happy of this.

"The spirit of fight was the key for this tournament. I had an incredible attitude. I have to say thanks to my team. The medical staff and physio to get me back in shape. Today I felt more relaxed inside my head and my tennis was more fluid and it was a great performance. It is such a dream I don't want to wake up."

After winning this title, Musetti pocketed 115,195 euro, while Fritz took home 67,200 euro.

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