Lorenzo Musetti weighs in on his chances against Daniil Medvedev in Rome

The Italian Open is the last Masters 1000 ahead of Roland Garros, and it has been one of the most interesting tournaments of the season. Local star and World No. 9 Lorenzo Musetti reached the Round of 16 after beating Brandon Nakashima in straight sets, and now faces a tough test against World No. 11 Daniil Medvedev.

“I never played against him on clay. First meeting on this surface. He’s liking the conditions here this year,” Musetti said of the Russian. “It’s gonna be a match for the crowd. For the show. Coming into this match with a great attitude and great tennis.”

Medvedev, who is a former US Open champion, won the Italian Open in 2023, his best result on clay. However, he passed through Alexei Popyrin in straight sets to reach the Round of 16 in Rome. “I think I have a good chance. Daniil is always a tough opponent to play,” Musetti said.

The Italian is enjoying a strong run on clay, having reached the semi-finals in Madrid and the final in Monte Carlo, where he was defeated by Alcaraz. Now 23, Musetti is aiming to claim his third career title in Rome.

Medvedev is looking for a second title in Rome (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Medvedev and Musetti have faced each other on two occasions, with the Russian emerging victorious both times. Those encounters took place on hard courts and in 2023, at the Cincinnati Open and the Canada Open.

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Musetti joins Berrettini and Sinner in a select club

Lorenzo Musetti secured his 150th tour-level victory with a win over Brandon Nakashima, becoming one of only a few Italians to reach that milestone. The achievement places him in elite company and underscores his growing consistency on the ATP Tour.

Only two active Italian players have more career wins than Musetti: Matteo Berrettini and Jannik Sinner, who recently returned to action at the Italian Open. With this latest result, Musetti moves ahead of former players Omar Camporese and Andrea Gaudenzi, the latter now serving as ATP chairman.