Impressive Musetti defeats Tiafoe to reach maiden Roland-Garros semi-final
The Italian will next face either Tommy Paul or Carlos Alcaraz.
© Dante Badano / Psnewz
Lorenzo Musetti will contest his second Grand Slam semi-final – and his first at Roland-Garros – on Friday, after defeating Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 in another sensational performance.
With the victory, the current world No 7 made history by becoming just the third Italian to make the last four of a Grand Slam tournament on two different surfaces – after reaching the semi-finals of Wimbledon last season.
En route to the quarter-final, Tiafoe had not lost a single set and displayed some of the best clay-court tennis of his career.
Musetti: I found the extra energy to win
Whilst both split the first two sets, it was clear that the higher-ranked opponent was beginning to lose some energy, with the American seeking to capitalise.
At 6-5 in the third set, Tiafoe hit multiple unforced errors wide to hand Musetti a crucial set point – before the Italian responded to a drop shot with a delightful backhand down-the-line.
Continuing to ride the momentum wave, Musetti collected eight of the last 10 games.
“[The third set] was definitely decisive,” said Musetti, during his post-match interview.
“Frances didn’t start as he wanted I think but today was really complicated to play well. It was so windy and really difficult to manage the balls properly. Especially the third set was really a fight and it was not easy to make a break.
“I was a little bit tired and it was really tough for me to stay there, but I found the extra energy to win the [third] set, and the last set was definitely my best set of the match.”
the third set was really a fight and it was not easy to make a break.
The last 12 months have marked multiple milestones for the Italian, including making his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon in 2024, his first ATP Masters 1000 final in Monte Carlo, and – as a result – reaching the world’s top 10 for the first time.
Now, after reaching the Roland-Garros last four, Musetti is well aware of the strong strides that he is making on the tour.
“I guess it’s a process of growing, but only inside the court but especially off the court,” answered the world No 7, when asked about his recent success.
“Last year I became a father, and I think that gave me an extra responsibility. I think now I approach things in a more professional way, not just on the court, but in my daily routine: When I practice and in my free time.
“I enjoy my time with my family so much. Even if they are not here, they are always with me inside my heart, so I think this win is for them.”
The Italian will next face either Carlos Alcaraz or Tommy Paul next.
