Istanbul Challenger 2021: Lorenzo Musetti vs Danilo Petrovic preview, head-to-head & prediction
Match details
Fixture: (6) Lorenzo Musetti vs Danilo Petrovic
Tournament: Amex-Istanbul Challenger 2021
Date: 18 January 2021
Round: First round (Round of 32)
Venue: Istanbul, Turkey
Category: ATP Challenger
Surface: Outdoor hardcourt
Prize Money: €132,280
Lorenzo Musetti vs Danilo Petrović preview
18-year-old Lorenzo Musetti has been shooting up the ranks over the past two seasons. The former World No. 1 junior enjoyed an incredible season in 2020, finishing the year ranked No. 129 in the world.
Musetti made a huge splash by scoring wins over Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori at the Italian Open last September. The 18-year-old reached the third round of the Masters 1000 event, despite entering as a wild card in the qualifiers.
During that run he also became the first player born in 2002 to score an ATP tour main draw win.
Musetti then defeated four top 100 players to claim this first Challenger title (in Italy), before going on to make the semifinals of the Sardinia Open.
The Italian's first-round opponent in Istanbul is 28-year-old Danilo Petrovic, ranked No. 144 in the world. Petrovic's ranking is just seven spots below his career-best No. 137 which he achieved last October.
The Serb has won two singles and two doubles titles on the Challenger tour, while his best result on the ATP tour came last year at the Sardinia Open. In only his second main draw appearance, Petrovic reached the semifinals as a lucky loser.
Lorenzo Musetti vs Danilo Petrovic head-to-head
Lorenzo Musetti and Danilo Petrovic have never played on the ATP tour, so their official head-to-head stands at 0-0.
Lorenzo Musetti vs Danilo Petrovic prediction
Both Lorenzo Musetti and Danilo Petrovic are coming off first-round exits at the Australian Open qualifying event in Doha.
Musetti, a self-confessed Federer fan, was beaten by Dutchman Botic Van de Zandschulp in three sets. Petrovic on the other hand was knocked out by USA's Michael Mmoh in straight sets.
Musetti is expected to be one of the top stars of the game in the coming years, along with countryman Jannik Sinner. While it is still early days for him, the teenager's combination of power and artistry has already earned him a lot of fans.
As compared to Musetti's rise over the past two seasons, Petrovic has inched his way into the top 150 through the Futures and Challenger circuits. All things considered, the Italian should be expected to come through this match.
Prediction: Lorenzo Musetti to win in straight sets.