5 unknown facts about Lorenzo Musetti, Wimbledon 2024's surprise semifinalist from Italy
Italy's Lorenzo Musetti outlasted Taylor Fritz in a five-set marathon at Wimbledon 2024 to book a spot in his first major semifinal. He won 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1.
This run seemed improbable up until a few days ago, given that the Italian had an underwhelming 2-3 win-loss record at Wimbledon. He has already won five matches this week, including the gritty result against Fritz.
Musetti will now take on seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic, a man he has troubled in the past. He also has one win in six matches against the Serb.
In the lead-up to the blockbuster Wimbledon semifinal, here are five lesser-known facts about Musetti:
The Italian’s father was a fan of single-handed backhand
Musetti is among the rare set of players who still employ a single-handed backhand, a shot that was on full display during his Wimbledon quarterfinal win over Fritz.
In an interview with ClayTenis.com in May 2023, the Italian said the shot came naturally to him, but admitted that his father had already been a fan.
"Because it (single-handed backhand) was very natural from the first time I touched a racket. My father liked it a lot, he is a fan of the one-handed backhand and he never changed it," said Musetti.
A former Junior World No. 1, Lorenzo Musetti has always had the same coach
The Italian began playing tennis at the age of four and is being trained by Simone Tartarini since childhood. He shares a great relationship with his coach, who he has described as a second father. The youngster has spoken about the unlikelihood of him ever switching coaches.
After tasting success as a junior, Musetti transitioned onto the senior circuit in 2020. He made his ATP Tour main draw debut at the Dubai Tennis Championships, aged just 17. Having come through the qualification rounds, he was ousted in the opening round by Andrey Rublev.
Lorenzo Musetti reached two Slam finals as a junior
Lorenzo Mussetti’s junior career was not only marked by his rise to the World No.1 ranking but also two Grand Slam finals.
The Italian made his first boys’ singles final at the 2018 US Open final, beating the likes of Jenson Brooksby, Arthur Cazaux and Cannon Kingsley en route. He was beaten by Thiago Seyboth Wild in the final.
His big moment, however, came a few weeks later, as he won the boys’ singles title at the 2019 Australian Open. The youngster beat Emilio Nava in three tight sets to lift the trophy.
Lorenzo Musetti wanted to be an actor
Had Lorenzo Musetti not been a tennis player, the Italian might've been seen on the stage or the silver screen. He was even been part of a production in his school.
“I wanted to be an actor. It’s a bit different from being a tennis player, but it has other similar things: an actor carries a lot of pressure, has stressful moments. In another life maybe!” Musetti had said in the interview with ClayTenis.com.
Musetti admires Al Pachino and has watched a lot of movies and TV shows. His favorite film is John Wick, while he also enjoys watching the web series Money Heist.
Wimbledon is Lorenzo Musetti's favorite tournament
Lorenzo Musetti grew up playing mostly on clay courts. Unsurprisingly, the red dirt remained his favorite surface even as a professional player.
Wimbledon, however, holds a special place in the Italian’s heart. He has confessed to it being his favorite tournament despite it not being on his beloved clay.
Musetti displayed raw emotion after making the Wimbledon quarterfinals.
“It’s tough for me to get emotional but today I think I will. I have been dreaming about this moment since… [sorry]…. I was a kid, I always had a family, really beautiful family, who always supported me in chasing my dream… It's tough to speak,” Musetti said, fighting back tears.