“I expect a huge fight against Novak Djokovic!” Lorenzo Musetti outclasses Taylor Fritz, sets up Wimbledon semifinal clash with the Serbian

Lorenzo Musetti keeps the Italian flag flying despite Jannik Sinner's exit from Wimbledon.

“I expect a huge fight against Novak Djokovic!” Lorenzo Musetti outclasses Taylor Fritz, sets up Wimbledon semifinal clash with the Serbian

Lorenzo Musetti and Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)

An Italian player is set to compete in the Wimbledon semi-final, but it’s not who fans expected. Jannik Sinner, the top seed, was knocked out of SW19. Now, Lorenzo Musetti is the remaining hope for Italy in the men’s draw.

The 22-year-old defeated Taylor Fritz in a five-set thriller 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. This victory takes him to his first Grand Slam semi-final, where he will face Novak Djokovic on his Wimbledon Center Court debut.

Musetti talked about how big of a challenge it will be to face Djokovic on centre court but added that he is an ambitious man himself and will try his best to topple the 24-time major champion.

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He probably knows the surface and Centre Court better than I do. Jokes aside, he is a legend everywhere but here at Wimbledon in recent years he has done something unthinkable for everyone. I have been lucky enough to play against him several times. I expect a huge fight. I think it will be one of the toughest challenges. But I am an ambitious man and I like challenges. I will do my best.
Lorenzo Musetti said in his post-match interview.

In the ladies’ singles, Jasmine Paolini also made it to the semi-finals. This is only the second time in history that both an Italian man and woman have reached the semi-finals at the same Grand Slam event. The first time was five weeks ago at Roland Garros with Sinner and Paolini.

Djokovic advanced to the last four after Alex de Minaur withdrew due to a hip injury. Musetti and the Serbian have faced each other at Grand Slams twice before, both matches going to five sets. Djokovic won those matches at Roland Garros in 2021 and 2024, respectively.

Lorenzo Musetti reaches first Wimbledon semifinal

Lorenzo Musetti showed great composure in the final set after Taylor Fritz took the fourth set by breaking in the eighth game. The two-time ATP tour titlist quickly gained a double-break lead, playing some of his best tennis, and won the quarter-final in three hours and 27 minutes.

Lorenzo Musetti
Lorenzo Musetti (Image via Imago)

Musetti’s serve was key to his victory on his debut at the All England Club’s No. 1 Court. Ranked No. 25 in the ATP Rankings, he won 76 percent (63/83) of points on his first serve. This consistency allowed him to play freely in return games, converting six of 13 break points against Fritz.

A highlight of the match was the penultimate point, where Musetti executed a well-disguised drop shot. Fritz chased it down but got his leg caught as he slid, causing a moment of concern from the crowd. Thankfully, the American was able to continue and face match point.

Fritz couldn’t turn the match around as Musetti served out for a memorable victory. The 22-year-old joins fellow Italians Nicola Pietrangeli (1960), Matteo Berrettini (2021), and Jannik Sinner (2023) as Wimbledon semi-finalists.

It was to be expected!