Musetti storms into maiden Roland Garros semi-final, defeating Tiafoe

Lorenzo Musetti is poised to contest his second career Grand Slam semi-final—and his inaugural appearance in the Roland-Garros final four—following a brilliant performance that saw him defeat Frances Tiafoe 6-2, 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-2. This sensational victory on Tuesday cemented his place among Italian tennis history, as the current world No. 7 became just the third Italian male player to reach the semi-final stage of a Grand Slam tournament on two distinct surfaces, a feat he first achieved at Wimbledon last season.

Leading up to their quarter-final clash, Tiafoe had enjoyed an exceptional run, not dropping a single set and showcasing some of the finest clay-court tennis of his career. However, Musetti's resilience proved to be the decisive factor.

Musetti: I found the extra energy to win

While the first two sets were split between the two competitors, a noticeable dip in energy from the higher-ranked American became evident, with Musetti keenly looking to capitalize. The pivotal moment arrived in the third set at 6-5. Tiafoe committed multiple unforced errors, handing Musetti a crucial set point. The Italian seized the opportunity, responding to a drop shot with a delightful backhand winner down the line, a shot that encapsulated his renewed momentum. From that point, Musetti surged, claiming eight of the final ten games of the match.

"The third set was definitely decisive," Musetti reflected during his post-match interview. "Frances didn’t start as he wanted, I think, but today was really complicated to play well. It was so windy and really difficult to manage the balls properly. Especially the third set was really a fight, and it was not easy to make a break." He added, emphasizing his mental fortitude: "I was a little bit tired, and it was really tough for me to stay there, but I found the extra energy to win the [third] set, and the last set was definitely my best set of the match.”

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The past twelve months have marked a period of significant milestones for the talented Italian. These include his maiden Grand Slam semi-final at Wimbledon in 2024, reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 final in Monte Carlo, and consequently, breaking into the world’s top 10 for the first time in his career. Now, with his advancement to the Roland-Garros semi-finals, Musetti is keenly aware of the substantial progress he is making on the professional tour.

"I guess it’s a process of growing, not only inside the court but especially off the court," answered the world No. 7 when asked about his recent surge in success. "Last year I became a father, and I think that gave me an extra responsibility. I think now I approach things in a more professional way, not just on the court, but in my daily routine: when I practice and in my free time.” He concluded by dedicating his victory: "I enjoy my time with my family so much. Even if they are not here, they are always with me inside my heart, so I think this win is for them.”

Musetti's next challenge will be a highly anticipated semi-final clash against Spain's Carlos Alcaraz.