Lorenzo Musetti is in top form. © APA/afp / PIERO CRUCIATTI

Next semifinal: Musetti conjures up a win against Zverev

Lorenzo Musetti won outstandingly in two sets against Alexander Zverev on Wednesday evening and reached the semifinals in Rome for the first time.

14 May 2025

From: do

Lorenzo Musetti caused a real surprise in Rome: He beat Alexander Zverev 7:6(1) and 6:4, thus reaching the semifinals of the Italian Open for the first time. In an atmospheric match in front of a sold-out crowd, he not only displayed his full playing ability but also strong nerves. In the first set, for example, he fended off four set points and remained calm. With the victory, he secured a place in the last four and advanced to his second semifinal after Madrid a week ago.

The match began anything but ideally. Musetti appeared nervous at first, had a slow start, and quickly found himself a break behind. Zverev played with pressure, positioned himself deep in the court, and controlled the rallies. But Musetti gradually found his rhythm, varied his shots, and regularly threw drop shots, thus throwing Zverev off his stride. At 5-6, he fended off four set points in a row and clearly won the tiebreak 7-1.

Zverev didn't know what to do. © APA/afp / PIERO CRUCIATTI

In the second set, both players held their serve for a long time. At 4:4, Musetti picked up the pace, conjuring up some outstanding moves on the clay court and claiming the decisive break. He then served out the match without a hitch, sending the Foro Italico into jubilation.

Giants' duel against Alcaraz

Carlos Alcaraz awaited in the semifinals. Musetti had already won a set against the Spaniard in the Monte Carlo final – and after his run in Rome, he could be expected to do well there as well.