Musetti needed 2 hours and 47 minutes to claim his first tour-level title. Alcaraz was chasing his fifth title this year and he has already won in Madrid, Barcelona, Miami, and Rio.
The win against No.6 Alcaraz is the biggest so far for Musetti. He had a breakthrough week in Hamburg and not only made it to his first ATP Tour Level final but also won his first career title.
During the trophy presentation, 20-year-old Musetti was very gracious to the 19-year-old Alcaraz. He said, You saved so many match points today, it was really tough to close the match.
You inspire me a lot.
Musetti is the 10th first-time ATP Title winner this year. Before Hamburg, his best ATP results were three semifinals. His ranking is projected to rise from No.62 to No.31 on Monday, making his Top 50 debut.
“I have no words because it was a roller-coaster until the end. I had so many match points. Carlos was so good on the match points, [I had] so many chances,” Musetti said in his on-court interview.
“But I think the key of the match was to keep calm and [have] all the patience [with] myself because it was really not easy. Carlos was putting so much effort in the match points when he was down, so it was not easy to find the energy to come back.
“But I cannot describe what I am feeling right now. I think I am still dreaming.”
“For me, for my team, for my family, for my friends, and for the people who really love me, I appreciate all the sacrifices that my family [made] and all the hard work that I put in with my team,” Musetti said.
“I will keep rolling for sure and I will continue like [this] hopefully.”
Of Musetti, Alcaraz said, I think he deserved the win today. He played better than me, of course.
“He was more aggressive all the time. I didnt play my best, but I fought until the last ball and Im really happy with that.