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Lorenzo Musetti called it a “magic day” as he overcame Taylor Fritz in a thrilling five-set match to secure a Wimbledon semi-final berth against seven-time champion Novak Djokovic. Musetti rallied from a set and a break down to defeat the American 13th seed 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in the quarter-final clash.
Reflecting on his victory, Musetti said, “After the birth of my son, I will put this in the second position for my career. Of course, for my career it is the best day of my life.”
Djokovic advanced to the semi-finals without playing a match, as his scheduled opponent, Australian ninth seed Alex de Minaur, withdrew due to a hip injury.
Musetti faces a daunting task against Djokovic, who he has beaten only once in their six meetings. The Italian acknowledged Djokovic’s dominance, particularly at Wimbledon, calling him a “legend.”
“I’m expecting a big, big fight and it’s one of the toughest challenges on tour but I’m an ambitious guy and I like to be challenged,” Musetti added.
Musetti’s Remarkable Comeback
Fritz entered the quarter-final in strong form after rallying from two sets down to beat fourth seed Alexander Zverev in the last 16. On a packed Court One with the roof open, Fritz initially maintained his momentum, securing an early break to take the first set.
The American continued his dominance into the second set, breaking Musetti’s serve again. However, the Italian displayed resilience, breaking back immediately and forcing a tie-break. Musetti took control in the tie-break, moving ahead 4-1 and maintaining his lead to level the match at one set all.
Musetti dominated the third set, but Fritz responded in the fourth with some of his best tennis, pushing the match into a deciding fifth set. Surprisingly, Musetti raced to a 5-0 lead in the final set, capitalizing on a possible knee injury Fritz sustained after slipping. Musetti sealed the victory on match point, advancing to his first Grand Slam semi-final.
Fritz’s Grand Slam Struggles
Fritz’s defeat marks his fourth loss in Grand Slam quarter-finals, having been eliminated at this stage at Wimbledon two years ago, the US Open last year, and the Australian Open in January. Since the Open era began in 1968, the United States has had 15 men’s Wimbledon champions, more than any other nation, but Fritz’s loss extends the American title drought.
A New Era for Italian Tennis?
Musetti’s success adds to the recent achievements in Italian tennis. Jannik Sinner currently holds the world number one ranking, and Matteo Berrettini reached the Wimbledon final in 2021, losing to Djokovic. Despite these accomplishments, no Italian man has ever won the Wimbledon singles title. Could Musetti change that this year?
