A lack of experience failed to hold back Lorenzo Musetti from outlasting compatriot Marco Cecchinato in what was a roller-coaster encounter at the French Open.
The 18-year-old had never played a five-set match in his career before the tournament but still managed to prevail 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3, after more than three hours of play. It was an impressive performance for a player who had never played in the main draw of a Grand Slam before. The latest win has now moved Musetti into the fourth round of Roland Garros which makes him only the sixth male player since 2000 to reach the last 16 of a major on his debut.
“I was really satisfied at the end. It was a mix of tension and I was a little bit tired,” Musetti commented on his feelings afterwards. “I mean, it was my first time playing in the fifth (set).”
Born in the Italian city of Carrara, Musetti’s rapid rise on the Tour hasn’t gone unnoticed. He didn’t break into the world’s top 200 until September last year but is now currently ranked 76th. The youngster is yet to win an ATP trophy but has reached the semi-finals of tournaments in Acapulco and Lyon this season.
Billed as one of the future stars of the game, Musetti has an opportunity to show the world how much talent he has at the French Open where he is set to lock horns with Novak Djokovic on Monday. The two have previously trained together with the world No.1 telling reporters on Saturday that he ‘really likes’ how his younger peer plays.
“He’s got a lot of firepower from both forehand and backhand. He can play with a lot of spin. He’s got a great feel, come to the net. He can play short balls, drop shots. He can flatten out his serve. He can open up with a good kick and slice. He’s got really all-around game,” Djokovic said following his win over Ričardas Berankis.
“I know very much so that he is a big challenge to me. So there is no question I have to go out playing on a high level, because he will not have much to lose. I’m sure he’s gonna come out and really try to play tennis of his life playing on one of the two big courts.”
Of course Musetti isn’t the only rising star emerging from his country. Jannik Sinner is a year older than him and is the only player under the age of 21 in the top 20. It was at Roland Garros last year where he made waves reaching the quarter-finals on his debut in a milestone that was last achieved by Rafael Nadal. He already has two ATP titles to his name and played in the final of a Masters 1000 event in Miami.
Sinner joined his compatriot in the fourth round by beating Sweden’s Mikhail Ymer in straight sets. Making it the first time since 2006 two teenagers have reached the last 16 of the tournament. Next up for him is what many described as the ultimate challenge of Roland Garros – playing Nadal.
“In one way tough, tough to play against them (the Big Three). On the other way, I think it’s good that we play against them. It’s in one way a good test. I have played twice already against Rafa. This time is going to be a little bit different.” Said Sinner.
It will be the second French Open in a row Sinner has to play the Spaniard. In 2020 he was the only player to have a set point against Nadal in the tournament but was unable to convert that opportunity. Since then, they have clashed in Rome with the world No.3 prevailing 7-5, 6-4.
“Jannik is not the best fourth round (match-up), without a doubt he’s a dangerous one,” admits Nadal. “He’s young. He’s a great player.’
“I need to be ready to play at very high level of tennis, to have chances to be in the quarterfinals, and I gonna fight for it.”
The two matches are very much a case of the Tour giants taking on the next generation of men’s tennis. Undoubtedly Djokovic and Nadal remain the heavy favourites to win their upcoming encounters. Although there is a general feeling that the rise of the two young Italians is something that will continue to blossom over the coming years.
“Me and Jannik, I think we are the future of Italian tennis, and tennis in general,” Musetti proclaims. “Of course he’s a bit more forward than me (in my career).’
“I’m just living what he was living like last year, so we are growing up together. We are playing every week now together. I finally entered the Tour. That was my goal.”
Musetti and Sinner are two of only three players aged 19 or under currently in the ATP top 100. The other is world No.97 Carlos Alcaraz who lost in the third round of the French Open to Jan-Lennard Struff.
