The semifinal at the ATP tournament in Acapulco and the round of 16 at Roland Garros, managing to snatch two sets from world number one Novak Djokovic. And first, the junior title at the Australian Open in 2019 and the US Open final in '18. It has been a two-year period to frame for Lorenzo Musetti, one of the young prodigies of the Italian national team, called up for the Davis Cup at the start from Turin next week.
Fresh from the Next Gen Finals in Milan, Musetti talked about himself at the Intesa Sanpaolo skyscraper, of which he is also a brand ambassador. The event, entitled 'The words of my tennis', ranged from the beginnings to the professional career, to the dreams and ambitions of the Carrarese athlete. But even before starting the interview with Massimo Caputi, Musetti turned a thought to Matteo Berrettini.
“We are all very sad and sorry - he said - but also sure that he will know how to get up. Now I hope he will be able to recover in time, also for Davis ”.
As for himself, he says he is "ready to do his part", on and off the pitch, aware that his ranking of 59th in the world and this season's results will not guarantee him a safe place on the pitch. "But I'm ready to support the team in any way".
Nineteen years old, Musetti has clear ideas and great ambitions, but keeps well in mind where he comes from and the way he traveled to his best ranking. “The plus for me and Jannik Sinner is that we both come from humble families, we started working early but we never forgot where we come from”. And it is precisely "dedication to work, together with talent", that makes us think big: "This year I was a bit fluctuating - he admits - but if I manage to maintain the levels I showed in Acapulco (semi-final of the ATP trophy ) and Paris (who came out in the round of 16 against Djokovic) then I'm sure I'll be able to make it to the Top 50 ”.
In the meantime, the young tennis player has found the time to pass the final exams, but not yet the one for the driving license. "My mother is still my taxi driver when I am in Italy, just like when I went to train every day in La Spezia - he jokes - but I promise that I will soon return the favor".
He dreams of taking the field in those Atp Finals that will be on stage for five years in Turin, the climb to the Top 10 and - why not - the victory at Wimbledon: "That would be the best". On the other hand, he has the “secret shot” on his side, that one-handed backhand that unites him with none other than Roger Federer. While the Achilles heel is emotionality. "The successes and popularity have also led to anxiety attacks - he reveals - I have been working for three years to keep them at bay".
For the rest, there are few secrets in his progression: "A lot of work, because talent alone is not enough, and an irreplaceable team that follows me around the world like a second family".
Among them there is still the first coach, Simone Tartarini, who has been training him since the age of nine.
For those who stay at home, only nights in front of the TV and strong emotions.
"The mother gets involved a little too much - laughs Lorenzo - Luckily I have an uncle who is a cardiologist who is always on the lookout for heart attacks in the family ...".
In collaboration with:
Intesa Sanpaolo
