'I want to beat the No. 1 in the world': Lorenzo Musetti sets sights on Jannik Sinner clash

Lorenzo Musetti produced one of his most commanding performances on hard courts to sweep past Spain’s Jaume Munar 6-3, 6-0, 6-1 and book his place in the quarterfinals of the US Open. The Italian, who had struggled for form in recent weeks, looked rejuvenated as he dominated from start to finish inside Louis Armstrong Stadium.

“I think I didn’t expect, you know, to win so—I don’t want to say in an easy way, but in a comfortable way,” the world No. 10 reflected after the match. “I think I played a really solid match from the beginning to the end, and the word consistency probably was the definition of this match. I’m feeling really proud of what I’m doing, and I think this was probably one of my best matches so far on this surface.”

The turnaround is all the more remarkable given Musetti’s struggles during the American hard-court swing. He admitted that his confidence had dipped after a string of frustrating defeats. “Probably the worst moment was in Cincinnati when I lost to Bonzi,” he said. “It seemed like I played the same match three times against Norrie, Mikkelsen, and Bonzi, and I lost three times with many chances. I never showed the courage to take the lead, to be brave on the court.”

Doubles provided an unlikely boost for the 23-year-old. Partnering compatriot Lorenzo Sonego, Musetti found a way to rediscover his rhythm. “Playing some doubles gave me that extra confidence I needed, to think that I wasn’t playing that badly. I just needed to change a little bit my behaviour and my mentality on court to be back again,” he explained.

Rebuilding confidence and trust

Musetti also highlighted the importance of leaning on those around him during difficult moments. “We spend so much time alone that we talk to ourselves most of the time,” he admitted. “But having this kind of relationship with my team, my family, and my best friends, I feel I can say everything about how I really feel. That’s the most important thing—being honest. That’s how you deal with problems.”

His renewed mindset was backed up by a flawless serving display, something he and his team had been working on since Cincinnati. “The serve worked very well today,” Musetti noted. “It got me out of the few difficult situations that came up. My forehand was also working really well, much more aggressive than usual. That’s what will help me make the quality jump on this surface.”

He credited small technical adjustments with giving him a smoother rhythm. “We worked on simplifying the motion. Before, I used to load more on the right foot, which created an oscillation. Now my feet stay still, I load on myself, and it’s easier. Today I felt very safe on serve, and it took away a lot of my errors.”

Next challenge: Jannik Sinner awaits

At the time of speaking, Musetti didn’t yet know whether he would face Jannik Sinner or Alexander Bublik in the quarterfinals. He reflected on both possibilities with honesty and ambition. “He’s the best player in the world. That’s the biggest challenge we have in our sport,” Musetti said about Sinner. “The idea of trying to break this amazing run that he’s on drives me really crazy in a good way. He has the pressure to win, so I’ll try to take advantage of that.”

That match has since been decided, with Sinner crushing Bublik 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 in just 81 minutes. The world No. 1 now stands between Musetti and a first-ever US Open semifinal, setting up an all-Italian clash that promises to be one of the highlights of the tournament.

A calm mind in New York

Off the court, Musetti has found surprising peace in the chaos of New York City. “Sometimes it doesn’t take much. Finding a good restaurant, walking in the streets of New York—it relaxes me,” he said with a smile. “Normally I’m lazy and don’t like walking, but here in New York I do it with pleasure. The chaos around doesn’t bother me; it fascinates me.”

Family has also been a grounding force. After a month away, having his girlfriend Veronica, their baby, and his parents in the city has lifted his spirits. “These seem like small things, but they make a big difference,” Musetti said. “They’ve definitely helped me regain my shape and energy.”

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Tournament: US Open

Round: Quarterfinal