Lorenzo Musetti Upsets Alexander Zverev at Rolex Paris Masters
The Italian secured a significant victory against the world number one in a high-stakes indoor match.
Lorenzo Musetti delivered a standout performance at the Rolex Paris Masters 2026, defeating world number one Alexander Zverev in a challenging indoor contest. The victory marks a pivotal moment for the Italian, who has faced an inconsistent season but demonstrated his capability to compete at the highest level on fast surfaces.
Reflecting on the match, Musetti acknowledged the intensity of the opening set, noting that Zverev’s serving and aggressive forehand put him under immediate pressure. The Italian managed to shift the momentum starting at 5-2, executing a series of high-quality points that ultimately turned the tide in his favor.
A key highlight of the match was a precise forehand return that caught the German off guard. Musetti explained that he had mentally prepared for Zverev’s serve, allowing him to position himself effectively to neutralize one of the tour's most formidable servers. He also highlighted a cross-court backhand shot, which he described as one of the best of his career, as a decisive moment in the match.
Musetti emphasized that this win felt particularly meaningful because it was achieved in demanding indoor conditions. Comparing it to his previous win over Novak Djokovic in Monte Carlo, he noted that he felt more aggressive and proactive against Zverev, who was playing at a high level throughout the first set.
Looking ahead, Musetti is set to face Luca Van Assche in the next round. Despite not being considered the favorite, the Italian expressed confidence in his preparation and his familiarity with his opponent’s style of play, having faced him recently in Lyon. He described the upcoming match as a tough but welcome challenge.
Elsewhere at the Paris Masters, Daniil Medvedev faced a difficult exit after a straight-sets loss to Ignacio Buse. Following the defeat, the Russian expressed frustration with the court conditions, which he described as significantly faster than those at the National Tennis Center. Medvedev also voiced a lack of motivation regarding the upcoming ATP Finals, despite having qualified for the prestigious event.