STARNBERG, November 5, 2020
Roberto Marcora came back from a set down to overcome No. 4 seed Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in Thursday’s second round of the inaugural €44,820 Internazionali Di Tennis Citta di Parma. The 31-year-old Italian broke his compatriot’s serve four times to prevail after almost two hours of play.
“The key to this success was always believing in it,” Marcora said. “After losing the first set due to an avoidable break, I didn’t get discouraged, I kept fighting and it became a battle. I took advantage of the opportunities. Musetti plays very well, he gives the impression of being able to do anything at any time during the match. I’m really happy.”
Marcora, who is seeking his first ATP Challenger Tour title, will take on No. 7 seed Cedrik-Marcel Stebe of Germany in the quarterfinals. The World No. 141 from Mühlacker defeated Kimmer Coppejans of Belgium 7-6(3), 6-4 in one hour and 42 minutes.
In the opening match of the day at the PalaRaschi, Maxime Cressy edged past 17-year-old Italian wild card entry Luca Nardi 6-3, 7-6(4). The No. 8 seed from the United States fired 19 aces and won 83 per cent of his first-service points to prevail after one hour and 11 minutes.
Grande performance di Maxime #Cressy che batte Luca #Nardi 6-3 7-6(4): “Sono sicuro che ci affronteremo ancora tante volte a livello #ATP” 🎙 #Parma #ATPChallenger #tennis pic.twitter.com/pg7ILnXEwr
— Matteo Mosciatti (@matmosciatti11) November 5, 2020
“I am very satisfied with the win,” Cressy told Italian journalist Matteo Mosciatti after the match. “Luca played really good tennis and I had to be focused the whole way. He didn’t give me any opportunities in the second set. I was really impressed with his attitude, which was really fantastic. He kept going the whole time with nothing to lose. He came up with some incredible shots. I just focused on my game and did the best I could. It was a close match and I am happy with the win.”
Cressy, who clinched one of his two ATP Challenger titles indoors at Drummondville, Canada, likes the conditions in the Emilia-Romagna region. “These surfaces are really good for my game with the bounce and the speed of the court. I also love blue. I was a Bruin at UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) in the States with mainly blue and gold colour. I really enjoy myself here today and I am looking forward to tomorrow,” said Cressy, who will next take on Briton Liam Broady.
