There’s the superhero ending we’ve all been waiting for at the US Open. Battling through the testing conditions, Lorenzo Musetti has prevailed in the event’s second round in style. The Italian, who landed in New York on the back of an Olympic bronze, had something to prove. And what do you know, he did just that, eliciting a thrilling reaction from the Flushing Meadows crowd.

Surviving a late-night scare at the hardcourt Slam, Musetti showcased his athletic prowess against Miomir Kecmanovic. After enduring an opening set deficit, the Italian talent bagged the succeeding two sets. But, Kecmanovic wasn’t done. The Serbian leveled the match by claiming the fourth set, forcing the duo into a decider. Despite much resistance, Musetti surfed through the former’s challenge with his superior experience, concluding the action-packed contest with a five-set score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 2-6, 7-5. As the celebration bells rang, the No. 18 made the most of it.

Ending the duel in a dramatic flair, Musetti took off his t-shirt for the New York crowd. After engaging in the customary handshake with his opponent and the chair umpire, the Italian had a sigh of relief on his face as he proceeded to march the court while stripping his Nike apparel, and flaunting his chiseled abs.

Musetti will rest at ease as he secures a place in the third round after saving two match points on his serve. After 51 winners and 6/13 on break points give Musetti the momentum he needs to go deeper into the tournament. Unfortunately, the same can’t be said for Kecmanovic. The Serbian has been adamant about finding success on the Tour. He has failed to surpass the third round in almost every Grand Slam appearance, except for his fourth-round run at the Australian Open.

However, challenges have only begun for Musetti. The weather conditions in New York are in no mood to hand out free lunches to the Italian pro.

Players feel the wrath of US Open humidity after Lorenzo Musetti’s survival

The US Open is on a mission. The task? Well, it’s handing out players with the worst weather conditions they could endure while contesting in an exhaustive battle. Heavy rainfalls and the usual downpour often hit the Flushing Meadows event, but now, the arena has been flushed with intense humidity. Naturally, Musetti wasn’t the only one to experience it.

At the Arthur Ashe Stadium, Novak Djokovic is struggling while dueling in the second round against compatriot Laslo Djere. Following turbulent rains, the stadium’s roof was drawn, making matters worse for Nole. Grappling to stay on his feet, the Serbian giant was prompted to call the physio to address his physical concerns.

This, by far, demonstrates how players are coping with the harsh weather conditions. While the officials can not change the course of humidity, contestants will have to bear through the test. Meanwhile, Djokovic remains on hold, whereas Musetti will prep ahead of his third-round showdown against Brandon Nakashima on Friday, August 30.