Musetti: "I wouldn't recommend the one-handed backhand to a child who is starting"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 6 Nov 2025 | 08.45

Musetti: "I Would Not Recommend a One-Handed Backhand to a Child Who Is Starting". Photo: Gettyimages

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Lorenzo Musetti knows the recipe to qualify for his first ATP Finals: win the ATP in Athens. There's no other way, either that or hope that Novak Djokovic ends up resigning his spot in Turin. But since that's uncertain, the Italian prefers to win it on the court, although he sweated profusely in his debut to overcome Stan Wawrinka 4-6, 7-6(5), 6-4.

In fact, Lorenzo Musetti was two points away from being eliminated from the ATP in Athens and, therefore, not qualifying for the ATP Finals. Stan Wawrinka even reached 5-4 in the second set tie-break, but the Carrara player grabbed hold of the court and overcame the delicate moment to secure the victory and set up a clash with Alexandre Muller in the quarterfinals.

After his hard-fought victory, the Italian spoke at a press conference, discussing the initial nerves, the pressure of the ATP Finals, how close he was to being eliminated, praising the Swiss player, and advising young players against using a one-handed backhand. All this in statements collected by SDNA.

Wants his son to play with a two-handed backhand

"I wouldn't recommend a one-handed backhand to a child starting out because modern tennis is really tough, especially due to the speed of the game and the potential disadvantages on returns. Of course, out of passion for tennis, I would say yes. But if asked honestly, for example, when it comes to my son, I would want him to have a two-handed backhand."

Lorenzo Musetti confessed the extra pressure of needing to win the ATP in Athens to qualify for the ATP Finals

"It was a tough match. I started a bit tense, but at the same time, it was a very good match. I think Wawrinka served very well, and the court is quite fast. It wasn't easy to find my rhythm and get into the match, but in the end, I did, so I'm happy. It's not easy to play with the ATP Finals qualification on your mind, but first, I have to lift the trophy here. I hope to have the support of the crowd and will do everything possible."

"I've been under a lot of pressure in the past month because the competition was very, very tight. I was very close to qualifying in the last tournaments, but Aliassime had an incredible performance in Paris, and I lost in the first round, so I missed a great opportunity there. But now I have a chance here, so yes, there's a bit of pressure, but I try not to think too much about it, as difficult as it may be."

Was two points away from being eliminated

"Honestly, I was quite nervous on the court today, but I managed to behave better in the third set, where I was a bit calmer and patient. I think I played quite well in the tiebreak, and of course, in the three points when I was trailing 5-4, I played three very solid points. That was probably the turning point of the match because Stan had dominated until that moment."

"The key was he didn't hit two aces. I got into the rally and tried to stay as consistent as possible. I think at 5-4, he missed a forehand and at 5-5, a backhand. So I was more consistent in those two points and when I had the chance to close the set, I served well and hit a very powerful forehand. I just tried to stay as calm as possible."

The ATP Athens has very fast conditions

"On the first day, I trained on center court, but playing an official match is never easy. Especially here, with such a fast court. Against such an aggressive player as Stan, it wasn't easy to find the rhythm in the rallies. That was probably the biggest issue at the beginning. But in the end, I probably played my best tennis, so I'm optimistic for the next match."

Lauds Stan Wawrinka

"I want to thank a legend like Stan for sharing the court with me. He's a great inspiration to me, an idol from my childhood. I give him a big round of applause because he showed impressive tennis, and I had to raise my level to win this match. In the third set, he had no physical issues. I hope to reach my forties in that fantastic shape as well," states a Lorenzo Musetti who is aware of the challenge he faces in the ATP in Athens if he wants to make it to his first ATP Finals.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Musetti: "No le recomendaría el revés a una mano a un niño que está empezando"