Novak Djokovic’s path to a different Australian Open crown could also be clearer as a consequence of a complication in his quarter-final opponent’s camp
Novak Djokovic’s subsequent opponent on the Australian Open is lacking his coach and physio (Picture: Getty)
Lorenzo Musetti will tackle Novak Djokovic within the quarter-finals of the Australian Open with no coach or physio in his nook. The 23-year-old will make his debut within the final eight of the Grand Slam towards none aside from the event’s most prolific participant of all time, who’s chasing a record-extending eleventh Melbourne main. Musetti dominated Taylor Fritz in straight units on Monday to achieve the quarters of this competitors for the primary time.
It was his greatest efficiency of the event up to now, having proven extra indicators of battle in earlier wins over Tomas Machac and Raphael Collignon. Nevertheless, his event has been difficult by the departures of coach Simone Tartarini and physio Damiano Fiorucci. It emerged that each members of his crew have flown dwelling to Italy, leaving Musetti with a closely diminished crew for his remaining matches. It is reported Tartarini needed to go away following a private bereavement, whereas Fiorucci was hospitalised shortly after arriving in Australia. That being stated, Musetti is not permitting the setbacks to sluggish him down and is as an alternative keen to make use of it as gas to truly enhance.
“It is not straightforward waking up each day [to watch his matches from Italy]. We’ve got been a bit of bit unfortunate off the courtroom,” stated the Italian throughout his on-court interview. “As you talked about, for private causes, they needed to come again.
“However they’re right here [in my heart], and it is powerful additionally to talk. As a result of when actual life knocks the door with one thing actually stunning, you all the time perceive life higher.
“And I feel I really feel extra mature on the courtroom and doubtless am enjoying higher additionally, for that and for them. So I need to proceed, and I need to maintain pushing myself increasingly. Now I’ve an enormous problem forward, so I really feel able to do it.”
Musetti has confronted 38-year-old Djokovic on 10 events to this point, with the Serb triumphing in 9 of these. The previous’s sole win of their head-to-head got here on the 2023 Monte Carlo Masters.
???????????? FORZA MUSETTI!
His first profession straight-sets win vs a top-10 opponnent on arduous courtroom and what a time for it to return; by means of to the quarterfinals ?????? pic.twitter.com/5vadF6b9h0
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 26, 2026
Every of their 4 encounters on arduous courtroom have additionally gone in Djokovic’s favour, with two of these going down in 2025. Nevertheless, there are indicators of progress for Musetti after managing to not less than take a set off Djokovic once they met within the last of the Hellenic Championship in November.
The rising star additionally had Djokovic to thank after the veteran withdrew from the ATP Finals that very same day in early November. Musetti took his spot within the end-of-year event in consequence, however the rivalry will probably be again its most heated when the pair reunite on Wednesday.
Tennis information, scores and event outcomes plus chosen presents and competitions Subscribe Invalid e-mail
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will likely embody adverts from us and third events based mostly on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Within the absence of his different coaches, Musetti was assured when describing the “excellent concord” he shares along with his final remaining coach, Jose Perlas. And the two-man tandem hasn’t missed a step simply but.
Musetti additionally touched on the latest delivery of his second son with accomplice Veronica. He joked he “hadn’t received a lot sleep” in the course of the low season in consequence, not that it is exhibiting in his total play Down Below.
Leave a Reply