World number nine Lorenzo Musetti achieves his maiden quarterfinal at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia by dismantling former champion Daniil Medvedev in a round of 16 thriller at the Foro Italico on Tuesday.
Eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti has become the first Italian to make it through all three Masters 1000 quarterfinals on clay in one season by outlasting world No. 11 Daniil Medvedev 7-5, 6-4 in one hour and 39 minutes on Tuesday in Rome.
Next, he will meet two-time champion Alexander Zverev or 13th seed Arthur Fils for a place in the last four.
The 23-year-old, who arrived in the Eternal City off the back of an impressive run to the semifinals in Madrid - lost to eventual runner-up Jack Draper - continues to deliver world-class tennis with finesse on the clay courts in the build-up to the French Open.
At the Foro Italico, he set up a box office clash with Medvedev following his triumph over American Brandon Nakashima, accomplishing 150 tour-level wins in his young career on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the 29-year-old, yet to drop a set at the tournament, took on his in-form opponent, bidding to reach a 24th Masters 1000 quarterfinal, his third of the season (Indian Wells, Madrid) and the second at the event.
The Match as It Happened
With the players going toe-to-toe for much of the opening set, giving away few free points throughout eight tight games, momentum began shifting on the home favorite’s side.
After three consecutive breaks of serve exchanged, Musetti stayed the course to come out on top 6-5, and in his second time of asking, he served out for the set 7-5 in 54 minutes.
A runner-up in Monte-Carlo, he fired twice as many winners as Medvedev (10-5), who committed 14 unforced errors against the Italian, only six.
Moreover, the Carrara native found an edge with his second serve, winning 83 percent of the points to flip the script in front of his home crowd.
With the wind in his sails, the world No. 9 broke to open the second set, damaging the former champion with his exquisite trademark backhand.
Starting the points deep behind the baseline cost the former world No. 1 high, as the two-time ATP titlist put to good use his touch, executing drop shots with precision.
Comfortable behind his serve, Simone Tartarini’s pupil neutralized the 2021 US Open champion, extending his advantage to 4-2.
Despite dropping level, the 10th seed held his nerve, keeping his chances alive and finding a way to narrow the gap to 4-5.
On the other side of the net, the Italian No. 2 continued to showcase his tennis IQ, using his variety and ability to open the court, finding the angles to move forward.
When serving for the match, rain began to pour on the Grand Stand Arena, and at match point, play got suspended as it intensified.
After a long rain delay, play resumed with Musetti getting the job done, finishing up 6-4 in 44 minutes.
The Italian hit 19 winners against 15 unforced errors, converted three of five break-point opportunities, and won 77 percent of the points on his first serve.
Earlier, fifth seed Draper recovered from a set down to defeat Frenchman Corentin Moutet, 1-6, 6-4, 6-3, progressing into his fifth Masters 1000 quarterfinal.
The Indian Wells champion has set up a blockbuster contest with third seed Carlos Alcaraz for a place in the semifinals.
The Spaniard overpowered Karen Khachanov with a 6-3, 3-6, 7-5 victory in two hours and 28 minutes, punching his ticket into the last eight.
“It feels amazing to win at the end against a really big and tough guy like Khachanov,” commented Alcaraz courtside. “Physically, I struggled a bit. I did not have any pain in any part of my body, but I was just tired. The match was really tough. I had to run a lot, so I am just really proud of the way I fought for every ball.”
Neither player has ever reached the quarterfinals in Rome before.
Speaking about facing the British player, the world No. 3 outlined: “The way he’s playing is really high. I’ve been watching his matches. The way he plays is huge, and I have to be ready for that. It’s going to be a great battle.”
