Lorenzo Musetti raised his level in the second round of the 2026 Australian Open.
The player from Carrara had admitted that he felt the tension during his first match against Belgian ace Raphael Collignon and had struggled more than expected, benefiting from his opponent's withdrawal after taking control of the match.
The Italian star was aware that he had to do better in the clash against his compatriot Lorenzo Sonego and applied his tactical plan to perfection, achieving a clear win against a dangerous rival who had beaten him in their last clash at the Paris Masters 1000 late last year.
That loss had been particularly painful for Musetti, because it had allowed the Canadian ace Felix Auger-Aliassime to overtake him in the 'Race to Turin' thanks to the final reached in the French capital. Lorenzo still managed to participate in the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin thanks to the forfeit of Novak Djokovic, who informed him of his decision at the end of the final of the Athens tournament (won by the Serbian legend, who defeated Musetti after an epic battle).
Musetti thanks his team
In his press conference after defeating Sonego, Musetti – who entered the Top 5 of the ATP ranking earlier this year – wanted to dedicate this win to two members of his team such as Simone Tartarini and Damiano Fiorucci. His coach had to return to Italy due to the death of his mother, while his physiotherapist ended up in hospital shortly after his arrival in Australia.
"It hasn't been an easy week from an emotional point of view, because two members of my team are going through a bad time," explained the Italian player. "All this, instead of putting further pressure on me, has helped to make me even more responsible. I dedicate this success to them. I got on well alone with José Perlas, we have a very good harmony. I felt his support, as well as that of Simone and Damiano from home."
Lorenzo will face Czech ace Tomas Machac for a place in the round of 16 in Melbourne.
