Another Setback for Lorenzo Musetti as World No. 5 Pulls Out of Acapulco

Lorenzo Musetti’s wait to return to a tennis court will continue longer than initially expected, as the Italian has been forced to pull out of the ATP Acapulco event taking place at the end of February.

The World No. 5, who arguably had the best start to a season of his career at the beginning of 2026, has now been ruled out of his third consecutive tournament following a heartbreaking end to his campaign at the Australian Open.

Musetti Pulls Out of ATP Acapulco

The news was confirmed by the player himself on Instagram in a post that captured the Italian’s disappointment, as much of the momentum he had built toward the end of 2025 and the start of 2026 has now been halted due to a right leg injury. The post said:

“Hi all, just wanted to share an update on my recovery. I’ve just had my medical evaluation and unfortunately need to continue my rehabilitation before I can get back on court and compete. Sadly, this means I won’t be able to play in Acapulco. Thanks to everyone for the continued support – can’t wait to be back! ”

This latest setback comes after Musetti withdrew from both the Buenos Aires Open and the Rio Open, the South American Golden Swing clay tournaments he had been scheduled to play following the Australian Open. It was the injury sustained at that Major which has now kept him sidelined for several weeks.

Australian Open Heartbreak and the Road Ahead

Entering his first Australian Open quarterfinal, Musetti found himself two sets to love up against the great Novak Djokovic, producing some of the best hard-court tennis of his career. Just as the Italian looked a few finishing steps away from what would have been the biggest win of his career, he tweaked a muscle in his right leg.

Although he initially attempted to play through the issue, it soon became clear that he could not continue at the required level. The injury ultimately forced him to retire from the match despite holding a two-set lead, and it has since played a role in his absence from three consecutive tournaments after the Australian Open.

As things stand, Musetti is expected to make his return during the Sunshine Double, starting at Indian Wells — a tournament where he suffered an early exit last year and where he will aim to collect valuable ranking points before transitioning to his favorite surface on tour: the red, high-bouncing clay.