Lorenzo Musetti celebrates bronze medal at Paris Olympics

Lorenzo Musetti, “The Illusionist” made history for Italy at the Olympic Games in Paris as he beat Felix Auger-Aliassime of Canada 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 to win the bronze medal in the men’s singles.

The 24-year-old’s win made him the first Italian to win a medal in the Olympics since 1924, with Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani later winning women’s doubles gold.

Musetti had lost out to Novak Djokovic, the eventual champion, in the semi-finals but held his nerve in the bronze medal match to clinch glory.

“I think it’s a starting point,” Musetti told reporters, cited by Ubitennis.com. “I come from a magnificent moment and I am confirming it week after week, so it can be said that there has been a leap in quality.”

Musetti, who also reached the semi-finals at Wimbledon last month, said he hopes he can qualify for the eight-man, season-ending ATP Finals in Turin.

“That is definitely the dream,” he said. “It is a challenging goal, but not impossible. There are still many points and many tournaments left, so this bronze also gives me hope of ensuring a certain status. This continuity can help me achieve all the goals I have.”

The Illusionist will return to UTS action at UTS Frankfurt in October.