Lorenzo ready to bounce back: “This year I faced both Jannik and Carlos: I lost, but I realized where I can still improve, and Perlas can help me.”
Lorenzo Musetti has lived more than one lifetime. A talented young player, a father of two, and, finally, a star on the tour where he deservedly broke into the Top 10 in 2025. At 23, there’s still so much to do and strive for, which is why Italy’s No. 2 and the world’s No. 8 is already gearing up for his next goals. Finding consistency, closing the gap on the top two who seem out of reach, and playing a leading role in the Italian national team.
Lorenzo, in tennis there’s little time to think, but taking stock is essential. If you had to summarize 2025, what would be your highlights?
“It was a year full of firsts that made me proud and aware. My highlights definitely include the Monte Carlo final, the two semifinals in Rome and Madrid, my debut in the top 10, my first semifinal at Roland Garros, and the quarterfinals at the US Open. Then, even though it came with a bit of a struggle, I can’t leave out making it to the Finals. Too bad I was physically a bit worn out by the time I got there…“
Unfortunately, during his best moments—like in Monte Carlo and Paris—he had physical issues. The same thing happened at Wimbledon, where he was defending his semifinal spot. All of this made qualifying for the Finals more complicated.
”That’s true, but the emotions I felt in Turin were incredible. The roaring cheers of the home crowd gave me chills and allowed me to push past the fatigue—that exhaustion that takes over your legs and your brain and that you can only overcome with adrenaline.“
Like in that fairytale match you won against De Minaur?
”Yes, that victory was truly a fairytale. It’s a memory that will stay with me forever, a snapshot of that week in Turin.”
In the box sat his partner Veronica, expecting your second child. Now there are four of you—how has daily life changed?
“With Leandro’s arrival, everything has changed a bit, and needless to say, we’re overjoyed. Ludovico isn’t jealous—on the contrary: I think he’s realized that this newborn isn’t just a temporary visitor, but here to stay. They’re both very young, and I think Ludo will come to realize more fully over the next few months that he has a little brother: these will be delicate moments to navigate as parents, as a couple.”
In addition to your family, your team has also expanded: José Perlas will be joining your longtime coach, Simone Tartarini. How did you come to this decision?
“The idea of adding someone to the team came up during the week in Paris at Roland Garros. I was coming off a great run, but I felt the need for something different—something that could bring something new to me, to Simone, and to the whole team. Someone who could bring experience: José has plenty of that. Everything is going very well; the work is continuing, and I think he’s giving us plenty of ideas to help bridge the gap with the world’s top players.“
Will Perlas be traveling with you to Australia?
”Yes, we’ll all be traveling together for these two months, and then José and Simone will take turns for the rest of the season. But for these two months, especially at the start, I think it’s very important that we work together. To gel even more.”
On clay, in terms of results, he’s already number two in the world…
“Now it will be important to improve even more on a surface like hard courts, which takes up three-quarters of the season. What made the difference this year was playing better on hard courts and improving especially on my serve and opening shots. We’re trying to build on these shots, and I think we’re heading in the right direction. I’m really happy; I can’t wait to get started again.”
What is your goal for 2026?
“Definitely to be more consistent to close the gap with the top two. During the season, I had the chance to face both Sinner and Alcaraz, and I always came up short. But the important thing was to take away lessons, and I’ve figured out where I can improve.”
In the short term?
“I want to reach the second week in Australia: that’s my starting goal. Last year I came close, but then I lost a match that could have gone differently and opened up the draw a bit. And then, if everything goes as I hope, to play in the Finals without having to spend eight weeks racing around the world to get there. Tennis, like life, is made up of moments.“
Is the Italian national team part of your plans?
”Of course. I was sorry to miss the Finals in Bologna, but I was the number one fan in front of the TV while my teammates were playing for the French Open trophy. In the future, I hope to be a key player and carve out that decisive role for the Italian team, which I haven’t quite managed to fully achieve yet.“
The Top 10, the Finals. Have you noticed a shift in attention toward you from the public or sponsors?
”This isn’t the first year I’ve had good results, but there’s definitely been much more visibility. Even the fact that I was the most-searched athlete on Google was a pleasant surprise: I’m happy that so many fans and sports enthusiasts in general searched for my name. That, yes, was a big step forward.”
