Musetti reaches Lyon quarterfinals as Kouame’s fast start gives way to physical trouble
Lorenzo Musetti (No. 6) ended Moise Kouame’s run in Lyon with a 6-4, 6-4 win, after the 17-year-old wildcard broke first and then needed repeated medical attention. The Italian’s serve held firm throughout, and he reached his sixth quarterfinal of the season.
Moïse Kouamé, Lyon 2026 | © Sandrine Thesillat / PsNewZ
Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti, the No. 6 seed, beat French wildcard Moise Kouame 6-4, 6-4 on Wednesday evening to reach the quarterfinals of the Lyon ATP 250. The 17-year-old had made the stronger start before a series of physical problems slowed him down.
Kouame, ranked No. 194, came into the match after beating Lorenzo Sonego 7-6 (2), 6-4 in the first round. He began just as boldly, attacking hard and defending with remarkable court coverage. He saved three break points across his first two service games, then broke first at 2-1 with a forehand passing shot hit on the run.
Kouame pays for the effort in the opening set
The effort came at a cost. Kouame received a warning for taking too much time between serves, and he saved three break-back points at 3-1. He had a chance to go up 4-1, but then dropped his serve, appearing to be in pain in his right thigh. A medical timeout at 3-2 kept him level until 4-4. A loose service game then handed Musetti the break, and the Italian took the set 6-4 just short of the hour mark.
Kouame took a toilet break before the second set and rationed his energy more carefully after it. At 2-2, Musetti missed a break point. Kouame then appeared to suffer stomach problems and lost his serve for the third time in the match. He called for the doctor at the changeover and tried to shorten the rallies by coming to the net, but Musetti punished him with passing shots and pounced on every short ball.
Trailing 4-2, Kouame appeared to ask his team whether he should carry on. He played three more points before calling the doctor onto court mid-game and was examined with a stethoscope. He then closed to 3-4 and to 4-5, urging the crowd on as he walked back to his chair.
Musetti’s serve settles it at the Grand Prix Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Musetti never looked troubled on serve. He landed 65 percent of his first serves and won 82 percent of the points behind them, and he closed out the match with a love game at the net.
Musetti, ranked No. 25, opened his week with a 6-1, 6-4 win over Matteo Arnaldi. This is his sixth quarterfinal of the season, after Hong Kong, the Australian Open, Barcelona, Washington and the Cincinnati Masters 1000. He will face either Valentin Vacherot of Monaco, the No. 3 seed, or Frenchman Luca Van Assche.
