Lorenzo Musetti has unfinished business in Hong Kong and beyond | ATP Tour

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Musetti’s continued development has unfinished business in Hong Kong and beyond

The Italian is looking ahead to 2025

January 2, 2025

Lorenzo Musetti looks razor-sharp on and off the pitch.

The world number 17 is back in action at the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open and opened his title hunt with a commanding 6-4, 6-3 victory over qualifier Gabriel Diallo on Thursday.

A new, shorter haircut caught the eye as the Italian stormed into the quarter-finals at Causeway Bay.

“I’ve always had long, long hair, but all the drying and stuff got a little annoying, so I and my friend decided to cut it,” the 22-year-old explained. “I’m happy with the decision – new season, new look, also new jersey and hopefully a better season than the last.”

During his round of 16 clash at Victoria Park, Musetti demonstrated his new serving move, which involves an initial backward arc. The runner-up obviously adapted immediately during the offseason, landing 76 percent of first serves on center court and winning 81 percent of those points.

It proves that after a great 2024, Musetti is not resting on his laurels but is keen to continue to develop.

“I’ll be 23 in a few months. I still have a lot of future ahead of me, a lot of time to change things and experiment,” continued Musetti, who next faces Jaume Munar in his 30th tour-level quarterfinal. “Today it paid off and hopefully more of it in the next round.”

Last year in Hong Kong, Musetti lost his opening game. He then reached his first major semi-final at Wimbledon and won Olympic bronze.

Heading into 2025, Musetti wants more.

“When I think about last season, I made it to the final but didn’t win a title,” said Musetti, runner-up at Queen’s Club, Umag and Chengdu.

“I still have a lot to do in Hong Kong and at many tournaments.”

The 22-year-old’s belief was reinforced by his climb to the Olympic podium and his good run at SW19.

“I achieved some successes that I dreamed of, especially the Olympics. The last time an Italian won an (individual) medal was 100 years ago (1924). It was really nice for me and my country,” Musetti recalled.

“Just like Wimbledon, it gave me a lot of confidence for the Grand Slams, that I can go that far. Starting with the Australian Open, my best is the second round, hopefully I can do better this year or next.” . The goal of every Slam is to reach the second week.

Outside of his game, the Italian shared his thoughts about his compatriot and world number one Jannik Sinner and 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic.

“I think Novak will always be Novak until his physical condition is no longer as stable as it is now. “Novak in Australia knows a little bit about how to win on these courts,” Musetti said, referring to this month’s Australian Open.

“He is still a danger for Jannik, for everyone, for Sascha Zverev, for Carlos Alcaraz, who are in the top three. I would say last season Jannik showed that he is one step ahead of everyone. We all need to raise our standards.”

Story republished with permission from hkmenstennisopen.com