(ANSA) – ROME, JUN 3 – Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti beat America’s Frances Tiafoe in four sets to qualify for the semi-finals of he French Open in Paris Tuesday.
The 23-year-old world no 567 from Carrara beat the 27-year-old Orlando-born world no 17 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-2.
‘Today it was very complicated to play well, it was very windy”, said Musetti.
”Even though I was a little tired, I managed to find the extra energy to win the third set. The last set was certainly the best”, added Musetti in his statements from the Philippe Chatrier Court. When the interviewer pointed out the “elegance” of his game, Musetti joked: ”We are Italians, we are elegant naturally”, spurring some good-hearted boos from the crowd.
He also attributed the victory to his having become a father last year.
“The change in the last 12 months? I think it’s a bit of a growth process not only on the court, but even more so off the court – explains the Italian “Last year I became a dad. It made me more responsible and now I think I approach things in a more professional way.
“Even in my free time I enjoy moments with my family. And, even if I’m not here physically right now, this victory is also for them”.
“Jokes aside – he added – I have this style that comes a bit from the past. Unfortunately there are few players with a one-handed backhand.
“With everyone serving at over 200 kilometers per hour it’s difficult to return one-handed.
“But when they put the racket in my hand it was natural for me to return one-handed. This shot is part of my success”.
Musetti will play either four-time slam winner and Spanish no two seed Carlos Alcaraz or American number twelve seed Tommy Paul on Friday afternoon, after they play Tuesday night.
Musetti’s countryman, world number one and three-time slam winner Jannik Sinner, is the number one seed. (ANSA).
Read article…
The 23-year-old world no 567 from Carrara beat the 27-year-old Orlando-born world no 17 6-2 4-6 7-5 6-2.
‘Today it was very complicated to play well, it was very windy”, said Musetti.
”Even though I was a little tired, I managed to find the extra energy to win the third set. The last set was certainly the best”, added Musetti in his statements from the Philippe Chatrier Court. When the interviewer pointed out the “elegance” of his game, Musetti joked: ”We are Italians, we are elegant naturally”, spurring some good-hearted boos from the crowd.
He also attributed the victory to his having become a father last year.
“The change in the last 12 months? I think it’s a bit of a growth process not only on the court, but even more so off the court – explains the Italian “Last year I became a dad. It made me more responsible and now I think I approach things in a more professional way.
“Even in my free time I enjoy moments with my family. And, even if I’m not here physically right now, this victory is also for them”.
“Jokes aside – he added – I have this style that comes a bit from the past. Unfortunately there are few players with a one-handed backhand.
“With everyone serving at over 200 kilometers per hour it’s difficult to return one-handed.
“But when they put the racket in my hand it was natural for me to return one-handed. This shot is part of my success”.
Musetti will play either four-time slam winner and Spanish no two seed Carlos Alcaraz or American number twelve seed Tommy Paul on Friday afternoon, after they play Tuesday night.
Musetti’s countryman, world number one and three-time slam winner Jannik Sinner, is the number one seed. (ANSA).
Read article…
