Musetti's Magical Performance Gives Italy Lead Against Poland

Lorenzo Musetti gave Italy a perfect start in the United Cup Brisbane City Final on Wednesday when he cruised past Poland's Daniel Michalski.

The two-time ATP Tour titlist and Next Gen ATP Finals alumnus was in full control on Pat Rafter Arena, showing his class in a 6-1, 6-1 win against the World No. 260. The Italian lost just three service points in his 58-minute victory.

"Of course the serve worked really good," Musetti said. "But I mean every shot [I] had a great feeling with the ball since the first hit on the court. I think I played for sure the best match of the year."

Poland will look to quickly strike back when WTA World No. 1 Iga Swiatek takes the court against World No. 27 Martina Trevisan, a lefty who made last year's Roland Garros semi-finals. That clash will be followed by the No. 1 men's singles match between 2021 Nitto ATP Finals competitors Hubert Hurkacz and Matteo Berrettini, which kicks off the night session not before 5:30 p.m.

Musetti oozed with confidence from the first ball against Michalski, waving his racquet like a wand on the court. Michalski struggled to find his rhythm early, which allowed the World No. 23 to play from the lead, which he never relinquished.

"Today I was moving really, really fast with the feet and I think that's a key part for my game," Musetti said. "Today I was on fire from that side, so I could manage the match in a positive way."

The Italian is now 3-0 at the inaugural United Cup. Musetti also earned straight-set victories against Brazilian Felipe Meligeni Alves and Norwegian Viktor Durasovic.

Brisbane City Final Order Of Play

Not Before 2:00 pm

[2] I. Swiatek (POL) vs [5] M. Trevisan (ITA)

Not Before 5:30 pm

[2] H. Hurkacz (POL) vs [5] M. Berrettini (ITA)

[2] M. Linette (POL) vs [5] L. Bronzetti (ITA)

[2] I. Swiatek (POL) / H. Hurkacz (POL) vs [5] C. Rosatello (ITA) / L. Musetti (ITA)