Daijiworld Media Network- Toronto
Toronto, Aug 1: In a thrilling encounter at the ATP Toronto Masters, American rising star Alex Michelsen scripted a stunning upset over third seed Lorenzo Musetti on Thursday. The 20-year-old battled from a set down to clinch a 3-6, 7-6 (7/4), 6-4 victory, marking his first-ever appearance in the fourth round of a Masters 1000 tournament.
Ranked 26th in the world, Michelsen converted his seventh match point to seal the contest, notching only his second career win over a top-10 opponent in eight attempts. Despite committing close to 50 unforced errors and converting just two of his nine break point chances, Michelsen's aggressive gameplay and solid returns proved decisive against the Italian, who is currently ranked world No. 10 and has two Grand Slam semi-final appearances to his name.
"It feels really good," Michelsen said post-match. "I've put in a lot of hard work and it's paying off a little bit. I was wondering when it would happen, and I guess it is starting to happen right now."
He added, "I returned really well today. I played offensive tennis and executed really well."
In other early-round action, 11th-seeded Karen Khachanov of Russia also advanced to the round of 16, coming from behind to defeat American Emilio Nava 6-7 (6/8), 6-4, 6-1. This marks Khachanov’s second appearance in the fourth round of a Masters tournament this season, his previous being in Rome this May.