Lorenzo Musetti targets a career-best performance against Novak Djokovic in the Australian Open quarter-finals, seeking his second-ever win over the 24-time major champion.
MELBOURNE: Lorenzo Musetti has vowed to push Novak Djokovic “to his maximum” after securing a quarter-final clash with the 24-time major champion at the Australian Open.
The Italian fifth seed advanced with a commanding 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 victory over American Taylor Fritz. He now faces a player he has beaten only once in their 10 previous meetings.
“Novak, we played many, many times and every time it’s a lesson, first of all,” Musetti said. He described sharing the court with the Serbian great as an honour and a learning experience.
Djokovic, a 10-time Australian Open champion, received an extra day’s rest after his scheduled opponent, Jakub Mensik, withdrew injured. Musetti acknowledged the 38-year-old will be fresh but hopes his own current rhythm will bring him luck.
“I feel ready to try to push him to his maximum,” the 23-year-old stated. This marks his first appearance in the Melbourne quarter-finals, a breakthrough on a surface less favoured than his usual clay and grass.
Musetti credited a new mentality and an improved serve, which produced 13 aces against Fritz. He has focused on being more aggressive with his forehand and using his shot variation.
He will face this monumental challenge without his coach and physio, who left Melbourne for family reasons. Musetti also admitted to missing his partner and two young children, having been away from home since January 1.
