Marathon Musetti survives Machac epic to reach first Australian Open second week
Lorenzo Musetti defeated Tomas Machac 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 to reach the Australian Open fourth round for the first time. The No 5 seed’s 4h28 victory completes his career set of reaching the second week at all four Grand Slams.
Lorenzo Musetti, Australian Open 2026 | © PsNewz
Lorenzo Musetti defeated Tomas Machac 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2 on Friday night to reach the second week of the Australian Open for the first time in his career. By outlasting the Czech in a physical five-set thriller, the 23-year-old Italian finally broke his Melbourne barrier, ensuring he has now reached at least the round of 16 at all four Grand Slam tournaments.
The encounter lived up to its billing as a clash of endurance, lasting four hours and 28 minutes of high-intensity tennis. Musetti, the No 5 seed, entered the match with a reputation for resilience, and he needed every bit of it against the dangerous world No 24.
Machac, 25, had already proven his form earlier in the week by edging out No 31 seed Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (5) and dominating Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets. That momentum carried into the opening set on Friday, where the Czech’s aggressive baseline play allowed him to snatch the lead 7-5.
However, the Italian responded with the tactical variety that has defined his 2026 season. Musetti stabilized in the second and third sets, working the angles to pull Machac out of his comfort zone. After taking those sets 6-4 and 6-2, the seed appeared to have the match under control.
The momentum shifted once more in a frantic fourth set as Machac refused to fold, breaking late to force a decider. But as the clock ticked past midnight, Musetti’s physical conditioning proved superior. He has now won the last four five-setters he has played, earning the nickname “Marathon Musetti” while improving his 2026 record to an impressive 6-1.
Milestone Reached and a Heavyweight Next Test
This victory represents a significant step in Musetti’s consistency on the big stage. His path to this career-first Melbourne fourth round has been a mix of clinical efficiency and survival. He opened his campaign by defeating Lorenzo Sonego 6-3, 6-3, 6-4, followed by a second-round win over Belgian Raphael Collignon, who was forced to retire 4-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5, 3-2 ret. in their previous match.
The Italian now turns his attention to a blockbuster fourth-round encounter. He awaits the winner of the match between Swiss veteran Stan Wawrinka and the American No 9 seed, Taylor Fritz. Given Musetti’s current form and his newfound success on the Australian hard courts, he will likely enter the second week with high confidence. For Machac, the defeat ends a strong run that saw him take down two seeded players, but it is “Marathon Musetti” who moves forward into the final sixteen.
