As at Roland-Garros in June, there are two Italians in the semi-finals at Wimbledon: Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Musetti. Musetti, who has shown significant improvement on grass courts, is only the third Azurri to reach the final four of the London Grand Slam after Nicolas Pietrangeli, Matteo Berrettini, and Jannik Sinner.
Musetti, traditionally a clay court specialist, has defied expectations on grass. His previous appearances at Wimbledon saw early exits, but this year, his confidence and performance have soared. He reached the semi-finals in Stuttgart and was a finalist at Queen's, demonstrating his readiness for Wimbledon.
A key factor in Musetti's success has been his formidable return game, which allowed him to neutralize the powerful serves of Mpetshi Perricard in the 8th round. Musetti's offensive and creative playstyle, combined with improvements in his serve, have played crucial roles in his advancement.
Musetti's one-handed backhand, reminiscent of Richard Gasquet and inspired by Roger Federer, remains his primary weapon. This elegant and effective stroke has been a part of his game since childhood, influenced by his father and his admiration for Federer.
Simone Tartarini has been Musetti's coach since he was seven years old, providing consistent guidance and support. Under Tartarini's mentorship, Musetti became the first Italian to win the Australian Open among juniors in 2019. Unlike Jannik Sinner, who parted ways with his coach, Musetti remains loyal to Tartarini.
Musetti's emotional resilience has also been a significant factor. He overcame Taylor Fritz in a grueling five-set match, demonstrating his improved mental and physical stamina. Past defeats against great champions like Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas have taught him valuable lessons, contributing to his growth in maturity and experience.
The 22-year-old Italian, who sports a tennis-themed tattoo, has always been passionate about the sport. His breakthrough on the ATP Tour came in 2020, and despite a slower evolution compared to peers like Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, Musetti has shown significant progress in recent seasons.
In 2022, Musetti won his first two ATP titles and reached his highest ranking of 15th. His notable victories include defeating Djokovic in Monte Carlo. Although Djokovic leads their head-to-head record, Musetti remains optimistic about his chances in their upcoming semi-final clash at Wimbledon.
Musetti's journey to the Wimbledon semi-finals is a testament to his hard work and determination. His recent performances on grass, including victories in Stuttgart and Queen's, have set the stage for what could be the most significant match of his career against Djokovic.
