Posted by Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Wednesday July 10, 2024
Lorenzo Musetti He became the fourth Italian man to reach the semifinals of Wimbledon on Wednesday, passing the American Taylor Fritz tight, back and forth, 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.
At 22, the World No.25 has a world of big-game experience, even if most of it has come on clay. He hopes tough battles against the likes of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and others have prepared him for his next big challenge: a semi-final against seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic on Center Court on Friday.
“I lost a lot of hard work,” the 22-year-old said Wednesday after his breakthrough win. “I think I've made, definitely, a step forward in maturity and experience. Maybe losing to all the great champions made me think, made me work harder.”
For those who did not expect that Musetti will still be in the competition at this stage of Wimbledon, join this group. The Italian entered the grassroots season with a 6-7 overall record, but something clicked for him in 2024. After his win Fritz is now 12-2 on grass this season.
Musetti, in his win today at #Wimbledon “For me it is a magical day. I have to say after the birth of my son, I will put second place today in my work. Yes, my work is the best day of my life.”
– TennisNow (@Tennis_Now) July 10, 2024
How did you do it?
He says that diversity has helped him control his one-sided opponents who prefer to play one style.
He says: “It's definitely something I'm really working on. “Since I was a child, I always didn't like to do the same things on the court, not to be, let's say, mono-automatic on the court. Maybe it's a great help to the lawn, and I'm using it this week.”
Another improvement Musetti made was his attitude. He has spoken many times about the progress he has made in that department.
“I think that in the last weeks, since Stuttgart, I started to feel more progress in that, in the attitude. Even today [against Fritz] I have to thank myself for the attitude I had, especially losing the first set, not, a positive way when I didn't feel like I was working really well. I didn't feel the ball. I was a little scared. Then quickly with a positive attitude I changed my whole mind, and the feeling about football was better. So that's what I have to do in the next round as well.”
Although he will be a tough target when he faces Djokovic again, Musetti says his 24 defeats against major champions make him tougher. He has won one of six matches, but has taken the Serbian legend to five straight sets at Roland-Garros, including this year in the third round.
All that practice has made him a better player, he says.
“Even Nole has to, after the game I always finish with a lesson,” said Musetti. “Yes, the last game had a tense game for both players and a stressful game. When you face him you're probably under a lot of pressure because he's probably the best player ever, or one of the best.
“You go to court with a different mindset. Like I said before, I think if I play a certain way, I can have a shot in the next round.”
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