"Novak Djokovic's a legend everywhere, but at Wimbledon he made something really unthinkable": Lorenzo Musetti ready for 'big fight' in Wimbledon SF

Lorenzo Musetti recently stated that he was ready for a "big fight" against Novak Djokovic in the Wimbledon semifinals. The 25th-seeded Italian beat 13th seed Taylor Fritz 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 in three hours and 27 minutes to reach the final four of a Grand Slam for the very first time in his career.

With this win, Musetti also became only the fourth Wimbledon men’s singles semifinalist from his country.

During the post-match on-court interview, Lorenzo Musetti expressed that he could not believe that he was in the final four at Wimbledon. He also thanked his fans and the Italians in the crowd for their support

“I already have no words. It’s tough to speak but I’ll try my best. I think I haven't realized yet what I’ve done. First of all, I want to say thanks to all the people and the Italian crowd who are here to support,” Lorenzo Musetti said [0:19].

The 22-year-old described his experience of walking onto Court 1 to face Taylor Fritz as an "honor ." He reiterated that he was "really happy" to reach the semifinals and extended his gratitude to his team and friends who had traveled from his hometown to cheer him on.

“We were talking with my team, we were joking about it, trying to play on the big stage here at Wimbledon because I had never tried Court 1 and the Centre Court. So I had the opportunity to walk on this court, really amazing stadium was really an honor for me. I think I played a really fantastic match because Taylor [Fritz] was in great shape. Really really happy to be in my first semifinal here. I just want to say thanks to my team and all my friends who came from my hometown to support me,” he added [0:49].

Looking ahead to his semifinal match against Novak Djokovic, Lorenzo Musetti stated that the Serb is a "legend" and that he had an unparalleled expertise on playing at SW19 surface. He also recognized Djokovic's remarkable achievements at the All England Lawn Tennis Club

“He [Novak Djokovic] probably knows better than me, the surface and stadium. Jokes aside, he's a legend everywhere… but here at Wimbledon in the last few years, he made something really unthinkable for anyone,” Lorenzo Musetti said [3:08].

The World No.25 stated that he is expecting a "big fight" against Novak Djokovic and that his match against the Serb will be the "toughest" on tour. He said that despite the difficult challenge, he will try his best and give his 100% .

“I’ve had the chance to play against him a lot of times. We know each other well. They’ve always been huge fights. I expect a big, big fight. I think it’s gonna be one of the toughest challenges on tour, but I’m an ambitious guy and I like to be challenged. So I’ll try my best and I’ll put in my 100% effort. Let’s see what’s gonna happen,” he added [3:33].

Lorenzo Musetti has faced Novak Djokovic six times in his career

Lorenzo Musetti and Novak Djokovic

Lorenzo Musetti will face second seed and seven-time Wimbledon Champion Novak Djokovic in the semifinals of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships. Musetti has faced Djokovic six times on the ATP, with the Serb emerging victorious in five of those encounters.

The Italian's lone victory against Djokovic came at the 2023 Monte-Carlo Masters, where defeated the former World No.1 4-6, 7-5, 6-4.

In this year's grasscourt Major, Novak Djokovic defeated the likes of qualifier Vit Kopriva, wildcard Jacob Fearnley, Alexei Popyrin, and 15th seed Holger Rune in the first four rounds. He was scheduled to face ninth seed Alex de Minaur in the quarterfinals but he advanced to the semifinals after De Minaur withdrew from tournament due to a hip injury.

Meanwhile, Lorenzo Musetti defeated Constant Lestienne, compatriot Luciano Darderi, Francisco Comesana, lucky loser Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard and Taylor Fritz to move to the semifinals at SW19.

The upcoming encounter between Musetti and Djokovic at the 2024 Wimbledon Championships will mark their seventh meeting on the ATP Tour. Whoever wins, will face either Carlos Alcaraz or Daniil Medvedev in the final.