ATP Journey
Musetti says
The top ten worlds in Italy praise his countrymen after the conflict in New York
September 4, 2025
Al Bello/Getty Images
Jannik Sinner beat Lorenzo Musetti on Thursday night in New York.
By ATP staff
Even the top 10 players in the PIF ATP rankings sometimes still just need to say “too good”.
That’s the case with Lorenzo Musetti in the U.S. Open Thursday night, as World No. 10 beat Jannik Sinner quarterfinals. After giving up the first five games of the game, Musetti couldn’t stop enough momentum to stop the world’s No. 1 accusations and defending champion Sinner, who still lost only one game in five games in New York so far this year.
“I think I was a little too much in the first set,” Musetti reported in a post-match press conference. “I don’t think it’s easy for me to find the right ball in the first place because I’ve never played night games so far. So I think it’s different from my past games.
“But, of course, I feel like Jannik is on another level on another level. In a lot of cases, I would say the second set is where I served better, I have more opportunities. I have a breakout point and I didn’t take it. I think an opponent like him, you have to take a few chances he gives you, and I can’t do that.”
Sina improved to 3-0 in the couple’s Lexus ATP Head2head series in the Arthur Ashe Stadium in a 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 win over Musetti. For Musetti, a good friend on the court with his Italian compatriot, this game gives him the chance to experience Sina’s current level: Before Wednesday night in New York, the pair began in the 2023 Rolex Monte Carlo Masters quarterfinals.
“Of course, a lot of things have changed compared to our last meeting,” Musetti said. “We both grew up… Honestly, I’ve never been to a rally like this, I don’t have a lot of opportunities at the rally, he always leads the rally in the rally. So when I’m in the situation against him, it’s certainly a bad feeling.
“I was very impressed by Jannik’s performance today. I think he’s doing very well and he’s pushing me to my limit. Of course, he’s better than me, he’s showing. But I’m glad I can compete with him and understand even what I have to improve.
Despite the quarter-final defeat, Musetti greatly improved his Nitto ATP finals qualification in New York. The 23-year-old, who lifted a position to Turin in a live PIF ATP match, made his debut in the prestigious season finale in November.
