"Against Novak Djokovic, I will also try to help Jannik Sinner for No. 1" - Lorenzo Musetti on 'patriotic' objective in French Open 3R against Serb
Beyond ousting the top seed and defending champion Novak Djokovic from the 2024 French Open, Lorenzo Musetti also aims to help his compatriot Jannik Sinner achieve the top spot in the ATP rankings. Musetti will take on the Serb in the third round of the claycourt Major.
Given Sinner's exceptional run of form this season, it is no surprise that the 22-year-old has emerged as the biggest contender to dethrone Djokovic. If the Serb exits the French Open before the semifinals, it would ensure Sinner's rise to the World No. 1 ranking for the first time.
Considering the 24-time Grand Slam champion's inconsistent form leading up to the claycourt Major and his own admission of not being the favorite, it is not inconceivable for the 37-year-old to fall short of reaching the last four.
Lorenzo Musetti will have this on his mind as he gears up to face the World No. 1 in the third round, following the Serb's commanding 6-4, 6-1, 6-2 win over Roberto Carballes Baena. Musetti booked his place against the top seed by beating home favorite Gael Monfils 7-5, 6-1, 6-4.
In an interview with Eurosport after his win, Musetti disclosed that he will be motivated by the possibility of helping fellow Italian Sinner dethrone Novak Djokovic from the World No. 1 spot.
"Against Djokovic I will also try to help Sinner for No. 1," he said.
Although the 22-year-old highlighted his "patriotic" objective, he also cautioned Sinner against placing his hopes on him to beat the Serb.
"I wish him not to place his hopes on me. He has his own path I think it is already well written but if I can give him a hand, even a little. Patriotism doesn't hurt," he said (Translated from Italian).
"It definitely won't be an easy match with Novak Djokovic" - Lorenzo Musetti ahead of French Open 3R clash
Despite his determination to beat Novak Djokovic and aid Jannik Sinner, Lorenzo Musetti admitted that he is anticipating a tough match against the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
"Obviously aim for the Round of 16 to repeat what I did last year is definitely my goal. It definitely won't be an easy match with Nole but it's the period where I'm feeling better," he said in the same interview.
The Serb enjoys a 4-1 lead in his head-to-head record against Musetti, having claimed a commanding 7-5, 6-3 victory in their most recent meeting at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters.
However, Musetti's sole win over the World No. 1 took place on clay, as he triumphed 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 in their fourth-round clash at the 2022 Monte-Carlo Masters.