Player Features

Evolving Musetti has unfinished business in Hong Kong and beyond

Italian looks ahead to 2025

January 02, 2025

Lorenzo Musetti is looking razor sharp on and off the court.

The World No. 17 is back in competitive action at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open and opened his title pursuit with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 victory over qualifier Gabriel Diallo on Thursday.

A fresh, shorter haircut caught the eye as the Italian stormed into the quarter-finals at Causeway Bay.

“I’ve always had long, long hair, but It became a little bit annoying with all the drying and stuff, so I decided with my girlfriend to cut it,” explained the 22-year-old. “I’m happy with the decision – new season, new look, also new kit, and hopefully a better season than the last one.”

During his last 16 clash at Victoria Park, Musetti demonstrated his new service motion, one that cuts out an initial backward arch. The second seed clearly adapted instantly over the off-season, landing 76 per cent of first serves on centre court, winning 81 per cent of those points.

It proves Musetti isn’t resting on his laurels after a magnificent 2024, he’s eager to evolve.

“Turning 23 in a few months. I have a lot of future ahead, a lot of time to change things, to experiment,” continued Musetti, who takes on Jaume Munar next in his 30th tour-level quarter-final. “Today it was paying off and hopefully more of the same next round.”

In Hong Kong last year, Musetti lost his opening match. He went on to reach his maiden major semi-final at Wimbledon and clinch an Olympics bronze.

Heading into 2025, Musetti wants more.

“If I’m thinking about last season, I made finals, but didn’t win a title,” said Musetti, a runner-up at Queen’s Club, Umag and Chengdu.

“I have a lot of unfinished business in Hong Kong and unfinished business in a lot of tournaments.”

The 22-year-old’s belief has been emboldened by his steps on the Olympics podium and deep run at SW19.

“I got some achievements I was dreaming about, especially the Olympics. The last time an Italian man won a (singles) medal was 100 years ago (1924). It was really nice for me and my country,” reminisced Musetti.

“Just like Wimbledon too, that gave me a lot of confidence for the Grand Slams, that I can continue to go that far. Starting with the Australian Open, my best is the second round, hopefully I can do better this year or next year. The goal every Slam is to go second week.”

Away from his game, the Italian shared his thoughts on countryman and World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic.

“I think Novak is going to always be Novak until his physical condition isn’t stable, like it is now. Novak, in Australia, knows a little bit about winning on those courts,” Musetti said looking ahead to this month’s Australian Open.

“He’s still a danger for Jannik, for everybody, for Sascha Zverev, for Carlos Alcaraz, who are the Top 3. I would say last season Jannik showed he is one step forward of everyone. We all have to raise our level.”

Story republished with the permission of hkmenstennisopen.com