Musetti: ‘Putting Experience In Luggage That I Carry’

After a standout season in 2022, Lorenzo Musetti is poised to take his young career even higher. And the 20-year-old is already learning valuable lessons on the road.

“An important part of our career is to try to put experience in our luggage that we carry,” Musetti told ATPTour.com.

The Italian is rapidly rising to the top of the sport and is gaining profitable experience against the world’s best. After collecting two Tour-level titles this past year, he qualified for the Next Gen ATP Finals and is now at a career-high No. 19 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.

Perhaps no time last season was more memorable than when Musetti won a thrilling three-set battle against Carlos Alcaraz to claim the ATP 500 event in Hamburg.

“The week I lifted my first trophy in Hamburg, I won the first match against [Dusan] Lajovic after saving two match points. I was not coming from a good period,” Musetti said. “I had four straight losses, it wasn’t easy. But when you work hard, have patience, and sacrifice yourself, it pays off.”

Another key moment came when Musetti didn’t drop a set all week en route to his title run on home soil in Naples, where he defeated countryman Matteo Berrettini in the final.

Musetti, who is the youngest Italian in the Top 100, isn’t folding to any pressure or expectations. Instead, he’s soaking up every teachable moment on Tour.

“I feel more mature and [I’ve gained] more experience,” Musetti said. “I played many matches this past season, it was tough but fun. I think I improved a lot.

“[I’ve learned] when you make mistakes, you can always find positives to do better next time. If you understand that, you’re going to find a new solution the next time. That’s an important mindset for me.”

Add that newfound mental fortitude to his heavy topspin forehand and lethal one-handed backhand is what makes Musetti a dangerous player. Currently the third highest-ranked Italian, the Carrara native is hungry to soar to new heights this season.

“I did pretty well in 2022 but I want to go higher and higher,” Musetti said. “I’m working hard for it. I think I have the potential and game to do it. I will try my best to break into the Top 10.”

Musetti, who finished 2022 with a 34-29 record, aims to open the new year on a strong note at the Australian Open. Should he get past Lloyd Harris in the opening round, it will be Musetti’s first main draw victory at the season’s first Slam.