Lorenzo Musetti’s heartbreak in Chengdu added yet another painful chapter to what now seems a cursed run: he has lost five finals in a row on the ATP Tour.
This latest defeat came at the hands of Chilean qualifier Alejandro Tabilo, who edged him out 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(5) after Musetti squandered two championship points late in the match.
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A cruel pattern
The sting of this loss runs deep:
Musetti entered the final as the top seed and clearly the favorite, yet could not close the match.
Statistically, he had the edge — more winners, fewer unforced errors, more total points won — yet the result slipped through his fingers.
Adding to the agony: Tabilo saved both championship points on serve at 5–6 in the deciding set, then rallied from 1–4 down in the tiebreak to win.
After the match, Musetti sat with his head buried in a towel, overwhelmed by emotion — the tears were hard to hide.
His last title came in October 2022. Since then, every time he’s reached a final, he’s walked away empty-handed.
The pressure is mounting. At 23 (or 24, depending on his birthdate), Musetti is young enough to bounce back, but the mental toll of repeated final defeats is real — it tests one’s belief, resilience, and capacity to deliver when it matters most.
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Can victory come next?
Yes — it can — but the path will require more than just skill. Here’s what might tilt the balance in his favor:
1. Mental reset
He needs to shake free from the weight of “finals curse.” Recognizing that past losses don’t have to dictate future outcomes is essential. A few early-round fights won may help rebuild confidence.
2. Closing instinct under pressure
His inability to convert match points, particularly in tight matches, is a vulnerability. Working with a sports psychologist or a “big-match coach” might sharpen his instincts in those clutch moments.
3. Strategic scheduling
Choosing tournaments where he’s less pressured or among lower-ranked opponents (e.g. ATP 250s, maybe on favorable surfaces) can give him a more forgiving environment to break through.
4. Momentum build-up
Winning smaller matches, especially in three-setters or tight contests, can cultivate a “champion’s spirit.” Once he wins a title again, the block might break.
5. Support & belief
A strong inner circle — coach, family, team — reinforcing belief rather than amplifying pressure will matter hugely.
Given his talent and the fact he still reaches finals, it’s not out of reach. This Chengdu loss hurts — deeply — but it can also serve as a turning point. If Musetti channels this pain into resolve rather than despair, next time, one of those finals could finally end in victory.
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