Lorenzo is ready to start again: “This year I faced both Jannik and Carlos: I lost, but I understood where I can still improve, and Perlas can help me.”

Lorenzo Musetti has lived more than one life. A talented youngster, father of two children and, finally, a leading player on the circuit, where he deservedly broke into the Top 10 in 2025. At 23, he still has a lot to do and a lot to chase, which is why Italy’s number two and world number eight is already setting his sights on his next goals. Finding consistency, closing the gap on the top two who seem unbeatable, and playing a leading role in the Italian national team.

Lorenzo, in tennis there is little time to think, but taking stock is essential. If you had to sum up 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 effort, I can’t help but include reaching the Finals. It’s a shame that physically I was a bit worn out…“

Unfortunately, at his best moments, such as in Monte Carlo and Paris, he had physical problems. The same thing happened at Wimbledon, where he was defending his semifinal spot. All this made qualifying for the Finals more complicated.

”That’s true, but the emotions I experienced in Turin were incredible. The roar of the home crowd gave me goosebumps and allowed me to push through the fatigue, the tiredness that takes over your legs and your brain and that you can only overcome with adrenaline.“

Like in the 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.”

Your partner Veronica was sitting in the box, expecting your second child. Now there are four of you. How has your daily life changed?

“With the arrival of Leandro, everything has changed a bit, and needless to say, we are very happy. Ludovico is not jealous. On the contrary, I think he understands that this newborn is not a temporary addition, but a permanent one. They are both very young, and I think that in the coming months, Ludo will realize that he has a little brother. These will be delicate moments to manage as parents and as a couple.”

In addition to your family, your team has also grown: José Perlas will join your long-time coach, Simone Tartarini. How did you come to this decision?

“The desire to add someone to the team came about during the week in Paris, at Roland Garros. I was coming off a great period, but I felt the need for something different, something that could bring something new to me, to Simone, to the whole team. Someone who could bring experience: José has a lot of that. Everything is going very well, the work is continuing, and I think it is giving us a lot of ideas to try to close the gap with the world’s top players.“

Will Perlas travel with you to Australia?

”Yes, we will all travel together for these two months, and then José and Simone will take turns for the rest of the season. However, for these two months, especially at the beginning, I think it’s very important that we work together. To blend in more and more.”

On clay, in terms of results, he is already number two in the world…

“Now it will be important to grow even more on a fast surface, which takes up three quarters of the season. What made the difference this year was playing better on fast surfaces and improving especially on my serve and first shots. We are trying to make the most of these shots and I think we are heading in the right direction. I’m really happy, I can’t wait to start again.”

What is your goal for 2026?

“Definitely to be more consistent in order to close the gap with the top two. During the season, I had the opportunity to face both Sinner and Alcaraz, and I always came out defeated. But the important thing was to take away information, and I understood where I could improve.”

In the short term?

“I want to reach the second week in Australia: that’s my starting goal. Last year, I came close, 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, I want to play in the Finals without having to travel around the world for eight weeks to get there. Tennis, like life, is made up of episodes.“

Is the Italian national team also in 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 Insalatiera. In the future, I hope to be a protagonist and carve out that decisive role for the Italian team, which I haven’t yet been able to fully achieve.“

 The Top 10, the Finals. Have you noticed a change in the attention you receive from the public or sponsors?

”This isn’t the first year I’ve had good results, but there has certainly 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 was a big step forward.”