Lorenzo Musetti vs. Nikoloz Basilashvili Prediction: Expect Musetti to Go Past a Fighting Basilashvili

On Wednesday, November 2, world number 23 Lorenzo Musetti will face 106th-ranked Nikoloz Basilashvili in the second round of the 2022 Paris Masters.

Musetti defeated 17th-ranked Marin Cilic in a contest that lasted an hour and 22 minutes to advance to the second round.

Musetti won his second career championship in Napoli late last month, but fell in the first round of the ATP Basel that followed, making him a 6/4 underdog in the match against the Croat.

Musetti faced a pair of break-points during the match and saved all of them, but when he got his two chances to do the same, the Italian grabbed both of them. Musetti's victory was aided by a break in each of the sets.

And now that he's up against a guy who isn't ranked in the top 100, things may get much simpler for the Italian.

Because of Basilashvili's recent record, few were giving him a chance against Quentin Halys in his opener. He was a massive 3/1 second favourite to win it, and to do so in straight sets was a huge surprise.

This is because Basilashvili had lost eight of his previous nine matches, including defeats against Fernando Verdasco, Thiago Monteiro, Mackenzie McDonald, and Hugo Gaston.

Basilashvili advanced to the second round following an off-court success of another kind: he was cleared of domestic abuse accusations in a Georgian court.

Can he maintain that form against Musetti in the second round?

Musetti will face a relieved and recharged Basilashvili in the third round, but he should advance without incident. However, there may be a battle.

• Total Under 21.5 for 1.82
• Handicap Nikoloz Basilashvili (+4.5) for 1.87
• Individual Total 1 Over 12.5 for 1.8