Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti secured his spot in the second round of the ATP Monte Carlo Masters after a hard-fought victory over China’s World No. 67 Buyunchaokete. In a match that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, Musetti had to rally back after dropping the first set.
Buyunchaokete, 23, entered the main draw with confidence after defeating Nicolai Budkov Kjaer and Albert Ramos-Vinolas in the qualifiers. He displayed remarkable skill, taking the first set 6-4, showcasing his agility with swift net play and a memorable tweener that caught Musetti off guard.
This was not the first time Buyunchaokete challenged Musetti; he had previously upset the 13th seed at last year’s China Open. However, Musetti adjusted his game in the second set, capitalizing on a misplayed drop shot by Buyunchaokete to even the match by taking the set 7-5.
In the decisive third set, Musetti found his rhythm. He sealed the match with a well-executed rally, winning 4-6, 7-5, 6-3. Reflecting on his performance, Musetti expressed relief at advancing: “It was a tough match. Buyunchaokete played exceptionally well, but I stayed focused and found a way to win.”
Looking ahead, Musetti will face Jiri Lehecka of the Czech Republic in the second round. Despite having lost both previous encounters with the World No. 28, Musetti remains optimistic about his chances to advance further in the tournament.
In other matches, ninth seed Daniil Medvedev overcame fellow Russian Karen Khachanov in a three-set duel. Medvedev clinched the first set 7-5, but Khachanov fought back to take the second 6-4. Medvedev regained control in the third set, winning 6-4 after Khachanov hit a forehand wide on match point.
Medvedev’s victory marks a return to form after an early exit from last month’s Miami Open. The 29-year-old former World No. 1 is eager to make his mark on clay as he pursues his first title since winning the Rome Masters two years ago. He will next face France’s Alexandre Muller.
Meanwhile, Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo pulled off a comeback win against Switzerland’s Stan Wawrinka, a three-time Grand Slam champion. After losing the first set 1-6, Tabilo showed resilience, taking the next two sets 7-5, 7-5. Wawrinka, 40, who won the Monte Carlo Masters in 2014, was aiming for his second Tour-level win of the season.
Tabilo’s reward for his perseverance is a second-round clash with Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. The match promises excitement as Djokovic continues his quest for a title following his triumph at last year’s Paris Masters.
