Lorenzo Musetti & Francisco Cerundolo to play for Umag title, then dash to Paris Olympics

On Friday evening, the Opening Ceremony officially launched the Paris Olympics. A little more than 800 miles away, Lorenzo Musetti had just booked his place in the Umag final with Francisco Cerundolo.

Musetti and Cerundolo will put their physical limits to the test this weekend, as both are slated to suit up for their nations at the Games. First-round singles and doubles matches are due to be completed before Monday, meaning the two will battle it out for the ATP 250 title Saturday before finding themselves on court twice at Stade Roland Garros Sunday barring any significant weather delays.

The Argentine, seeded No. 4, ousted No. 1 seed Andrey Rublev with a 7-6 (6), 6-4 victory. Cerundolo saved five of the six break points he faced to notch his second win in three meetings with Rublev.

“I think I am loving this country so far. Played eight matches and I won them all,” Cerundolo said on court in reference to a previous triumph in Croatia on the ATP Challenger Tour. “Hopefully I can end up tomorrow with another win, another title.”

Later, the second-seeded Musetti surged past Jakub Mensik, 6-4, 6-1, by converting all five break points he created. The Italian is playing his first event since reaching a maiden major semifinal at Wimbledon.

“Really proud of what I showed tonight. I think I probably played my best tennis,” assessed the 22-year-old.

Musetti took his lone prior encounter with Cerundolo in the 2022 Hamburg semifinals. Each player is seeking his first title of the year and third overall.

In Paris, Musetti drew home favorite Gael Monfils, while Cerundolo starts with Marcelo Tomas Barrios Vera of Chile.