Novak Djokovic, Australian Open and Lorenzo Musetti
Digest more
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Lorenzo Musetti has had to mature quickly to get into an Australian Open quarterfinal for the first time, and to be facing Novak Djokovic. The 23-year-old Italian is without two members of his support team in Melbourne after both had to return home to deal with personal issues.
An abdominal muscle injury forced Jakub Menšík to withdraw, giving Djokovic a walkover in their fourth-round matchup. The 10-time Australian Open champion will take on fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti, who brushed aside No. 9 Taylor Fritz in straight sets Monday.
Lorenzo Musetti vowed Monday to push Novak Djokovic "to his maximum" after setting up an Australian Open quarter-final against the 24-time major champion. I feel ready to try to push him to his maximum.
Taylor Fritz’s Australian Open ended in a grueling physical struggle on Monday as he was beaten 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 by fifth-seeded Lorenzo Musetti. While it marked a milestone for Musetti, for the No. 9-seeded Fritz,
Lorenzo Musetti has reached the Australian Open quarter-finals after defeating Taylor Fritz. He will now face Novak Djokovic. Musetti expressed his honour in playing Djokovic and his determination to push him.
The 23-year-old dedicated his milestone run to his team, after two members returned home amid personal crises.
The Italian pulled out with a hip issue after a dramatic opening set, prompting an on-court apology and praise from Zverev for his effort. Lorenzo Musetti’s Australian Open warm-up in Melbourne came to an early end after he was forced to retire from an exhibition match against Alexander Zverev,
Taylor Fritz had a lot of doubts before the Australian Open started due to the condition of his knee. The American ace had highlighted the need to find a solution to reduce pain, otherwise he had said that he should have stopped. He reached the round of 16 at Melbourne Park playing good tennis, but he is not at the top of his shape yet.
Lorenzo Musetti is without two members of his support team, his partner and his children, and plays record Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinals.