Lorenzo Musetti is currently looking forward to one of the most crucial matches in his career. The Italian extended his run for the French Open title to the third round where he’ll be facing Novak Djokovic. Musetti has strong backing from the fans as well as his coach Simone Tartini. However, back in 2023, a hush fell over the crowd as news broke about the sudden hospitalization of Musetti’s coach.

Despite a valiant comeback attempt, Lorenzo Musetti fell to world no. 186 Lloyd Harris in a thrilling five-set Australian Open first-round match (6-4, 6-1, 6-7(0), 2-6, 7-6(4)). Musetti’s focus seemed to waver in the opening sets, and it was later revealed that this was due to a last-minute setback for his coach, Simone Tartarini. Although it was reported to be a panic attack and nothing serious, his absence struck the Italian mentally and therefore he failed to focus on his showdown.

It has been nearly five long years since Lorenzo Musetti started his journey as a professional tennis player. While many players are accustomed to making frequent changes in their team, the Italian stayed loyal to his chemistry with Simone Tartini and is connected with him right from his initial days. Under the guidance of his coach, Musetti not only trained to be a strong force but also gave performances worth remembering at the Roland Garros 2021 and 2023.

While it was Novak Djokovic who marked an end to his journey back in 2021, the Italian now has an opportunity to complete his revenge, as the Serb also seems to be more vulnerable than usual cases. As the recent events suggest, he carries a similar agenda in his mind.

Lorenzo Musetti focused on ending Djokovic’s run to push Jannik Sinner ahead

Novak Djokovic recently admitted that he isn’t the fans’ favorite at the Roland Garros. While his recent performance on clay courts suggests a similar reality, Lorenzo Musetti, his next rival, sees it as an opportunity. In a recent interview with Eurosport, the Italian mentioned how he is determined to serve Djokovic with a defeat by revealing a newfound motivation behind his high hopes.

“Against Djokovic I will also try to help Sinner for No. 1,” he said, acknowledging the fact that if Jannik Sinner wins the Roland Garros, he would take the world no.1 crown by surpassing the Serb. Along with that, he also kept in mind the strong potential of his next rival and therefore urged Sinner to not be totally dependent on him. “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,” the Italian added.

Lorenzo Musetti is currently focused on his sixth showdown against Novak Djokovic. While he already has defeated him once, it still remains to be seen if he could give fans a rewind.