Alcaraz has not been at his clinical best over the past fortnight and Musetti , 23, promised to be his sternest test yet.
While Alcaraz leads the men’s tour in terms of clay-court victories this season, Musetti is right behind him, having won 19 of his 22 matches on the surface.
The Italian reached the semi-finals of all three clay-court Masters before doing the same at Roland Garros. But questions had been raised about Musetti’s mentality and whether he truly believed he could beat the very best on the biggest stage.
He had already lost twice to Alcaraz on clay this season – in Monte Carlo and Rome over three sets – but showed no signs of lacking faith as he took the opening set.
In fact, it was Alcaraz who showed the first hint of nerves.
The set was going smoothly for the Spaniard until a poor service game allowed Musetti to take his first break point of the match on set point.
Alcaraz responded by breaking in the third game of the second set, but Musetti hit straight back to level for 2-2.
Musetti’s focus dipped as he lost serve in the 11th game – but it did not prove costly.
Alcaraz showed tension again with a double fault for 15-30 before Musetti used his stylish one-handed backhand to level again.
Sometimes accused of being too casual, Alcaraz fully locked in to start the tie-break and took the third of his five set points to level.
A delicately-poised match was ruined as a contest when it became apparent that Musetti was struggling.
Musetti won just five points in a 22-minute third set and could not move freely before shaking hands with Alcaraz at the net.