It promises to be an entertaining bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics. Both men will doubtless be determined to bounce back from the disappointment of defeat in the semifinals and both have shown that they can deliver on the big stage. As ever, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions, but will it be Lorenzo Musetti or Felix Auger-Aliassime who claims Bronze?
Paris Olympics Bronze Medal Match
Lorenzo Musetti vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Jim: This should be an entertaining match. But Lorenzo Musetti is unquestionably the heavy favourite. The Italian has been in some superb form of late, not least in reaching the Wimbledon semifinals. Felix Auger-Aliassime has had an excellent week, but he is probably not up to this task, even if he should keep it closer than he did his semifinals.
Prediction: Musetti in 2
Ateet: Both these players were surprise semifinalists, particularly Auger-Aliassime. Despite the loss, they still have a chance to win a medal for their country. Musetti has won two of their three meetings on clay, and he has improved a lot since then. Musetti moves better than Auger-Aliassime on the clay and none of his wings gets broken as easily as the Canadian’s backhand. I think Auger-Aliassime needs a very good day on both his serve and his forehand to have any chances.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Jordan: Musetti will be very disappointed by how he faded in the second set against Novak Djokovic, who did not have to play well after the first set to reach the final. Although Auger Aliassime has enjoyed a terrific tournament, Musetti’s best level on clay would be too good. The Canadian needs to serve excellently and hope Musetti’s old failings with his backhand return surface again, but that is unlikely to happen consistently enough for Auger Aliassime to win.
Prediction: Musetti in 2
Damian: Musetti disappointed against Djokovic again, but since the start of the grass swing he’s been in arguably the best form of his career. If he can neutralize the serve and forehand patterns of Auger-Aliassime, he should be able to outmanoeuvre him in the rallies eventually. But it’s a huge one for both and it’s tough to say how they will react to this opportunity mentally.
Prediction: Musetti in 3
Main photo credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports:
