Every week, LastWordOnTennis will highlight a player to keep an eye on as tournaments are played around the world. This week’s selection is Lorenzo Musetti.
As everyone tries to find their bearings after a hectic two weeks in Miami, the organizers of the ATP Tour have thrown fans a rope with two 250-level events in Sardinia and Marbella. There is plenty of talent at both events with many exciting match-ups to look forward to.
One player, however, is oozing pure talent more than any other in either of the draws. At 19 years old, Lorenzo Musetti is the youngest member of the top 100 and is on the cusp of becoming a household name.
We take a look at how Musetti has been making a name for himself and why you should be watching the world #90 in Sardinia.
Unmerciful Musetti
Musetti is in no mood to mess this week.
His first-round opponent, Dennis Novak, was only able to win one game against the young phenom. Musetti won 55 of 80 points to demolish the #101 ranked Austrian, allowing his opponent no aces and breaking serve six times.
This is the 15th time Musetti has bageled an opponent in his fledgeling career. The Italian is capable of stunning peaks in his game that need to be seen to be believed.
At home on the dirt
Musetti at his best is a sight to behold and he is most likely to play his best when he is feeling comfortable.
Where better for Musetti to get comfortable than on home turf. Last year, Musetti made the semifinals of Sardinia and this year he is sounding even more confident.
“When we were practising these [past few] days, I felt the ball so good and I have good feelings… I think it is going to be really nice and I think I will surprise [others] in the clay season. I am really looking forward to playing on clay.”
Though he is downplaying his chances, Musetti has already had some stunning results on clay. At the Rome Masters 2020, he defeated Stan Wawrinka and Kei Nishikori back-to-back.
Flashy as Federer?
Comparisons have already been drawn between Musetti and the GOAT, and justifiably so.
The highlights reel for the young man is already jaw-dropping as he has shown his prowess from anywhere in the court. His backhand down the line and his reactions at the net are particularly similar to the great Swiss, though he has also shown he has deft touch and a powerful forehand at times.
It might be a while before Musetti fans can justify any comparison between the two players in terms of results but, for now, spectators will likely be stunned by a shot or two of Musetti’s in any of his given matches.
This Week’s Player To Watch
Lorenzo Musetti has beaten big names on clay in the past. He has played well in Sardinia previously and has stated how comfortable he feels on these courts in particular. Though he is now against top seed Dan Evans, he will likely be the favourite to win the match as he already has more career wins on the red dirt than Evans.
If he gets through that, he could come up against his conqueror from last year, Laslo Djere. This would be followed by giant-slaying Nikoloz Basilashvili or dangerous serve and volleying Jan-Lennard Struff. It won’t be easy but any of Musetti’s matches you do catch are sure to be full of magic.
Be sure to catch Lorenzo Musetti’s next match, vs Dan Evans this Thursday.
Main Photo:
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