In a thrilling performance, Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti sailed into the third round of the National Bank Open after a commanding 7-5, 6-1 victory over Australia’s James Duckworth on Tuesday.
As the tournament’s third seed, Musetti showcased his skill by converting three out of nine break points and triumphantly winning 90% of his first-serve points.
Next up for the talented Italian is American Alex Michelsen, who emerged victorious against Chile’s Tomas Barrios Vera with a score of 7-6 (7), 6-3 on the same day.
In other second-round action, Australia’s Alexei Popyrin, the 18th seed and reigning champion, took down 18-year-old Canadian Nicolas Arseneault with a close 7-6 (7), 6-3 win.
Arseneault, hailing from Richmond Hill, Ont., matched Popyrin’s intensity with nine aces and secured 83% of his first-serve points. Popyrin will face the victor of the impending clash between Russia’s Daniil Medvedev and Czechia’s Dalibor Svrcina, set for later that evening.
Meanwhile, Denis Shapovalov, also from Richmond Hill, aims for a third-round spot as he squares off against American Learner Tien.
