Basel | Musetti launches his campaign in Turin and mixed fortunes for the British

The player with a target on his back, Lorenzo Musetti, advanced to the second round of the Erste Bank Open in Basel, a 500-level tournament, to kick-start his campaign and retain his eighth and final qualifying spot for next month’s ATP Finals in Turin.

Nothing special, but definitely what I needed in these moments, to stay solid and stay focused. Lorenzo Musetti

The fourth seed needed just 79 minutes to beat Hamad Medjedovic 6-4 6-3, the Lucky Loser of Serbia, who replaced his original opponent Stefanos Tsistsipas after the Greek star withdrew on the day of the first round with a back injury.

“There was a late switch, but obviously I think I did a good job of focusing on my things and what I have to do when I step on the field,” Musetti said. “I think it was a solid performance. Nothing special, but definitely what I needed in those moments, to stay solid and stay focused.

“I had a really good attitude today after being a bit nervous at the beginning. It was a great response, and that’s what we’re focusing on, and then I think the tennis will come.”

Now with 39 wins to his name this season against 17 defeats, the Italian will face Tomas Martin Etchdeverry in the second round after the Argentine defeated Nicolai Budkov Kjaer 6-3 6-3.

Musettin needs a deep run in Basel to secure his chances of securing a place and making his debut in the Finals line-up.

(Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)

In other acts, the second seed was pushed by British qualifier Jacob Fearnley, who kept Alexander Zverev busy for two hours and 19 minutes before conceding a place in the second round 6-4 1-6 7-6(5).

“The tiebreak was so close and the whole set was so close. He played incredibly in important moments,” Zverev said after converting his fourth match point.

“I had match point. He hit a great first serve and was immediately a great forehand winner.

“So I mean, yes, it was 7-6 in the third, but I can’t really blame myself in the third set. In the second set I did lose some energy, but the third set was at a fantastic level and I’m glad I got through it.”

The second Briton in the draw, Cameron Norrie, was more successful as he saw off seventh seed Andrey Rublev 6-2 6-7(5) 6-2 after two hours and six minutes of tight play.

Home favorite Filip Misolic and Francisco Cerundolo were also first round winners on Tuesday as wildcard Misolic Camilo defeated Ugo Carabelli 7-5 7-6(6) and Argentinian Cerundolo overwhelmed Alex Michelsen 6-3 6-1.