Lorenzo Musetti has booked his place in the second round after defeating Yannick Hanfmann in straight sets.
The 23-year-old has impressed on clay recently, making the semi-final of the Italian Open, where Musetti ultimately fell to Carlos Alcaraz.
He has now claimed his 15th win of the season on the surface with his first-round victory at Roland Garros, the second most this year behind Francisco Cerundolo, who has 19.
Musetti‘s match was the last on Court Philippe Chatrier before Rafael Nadal’s tribute, which he spoke on in his post-match interview.
Lorenzo Musetti says it was tough to play his match before the Rafael Nadal tribute
Speaking after the match, Musetti said: “It was even tougher to enter on court knowing that after my match was this big tribute to Rafa who had been an inspiration to me. King of clay.
“He needs all the love he’s gonna receive. I’m really happy for him. Really looking forward to the ceremony.
“Rafa is an inspiration. Probably the word that defines Rafa most is warrior. Fighter. He showed especially here, winning 14 times.
“That’s sometimes that even saying it is ridiculous. His mentality, attitude, and work ethic. He’s probably one of the biggest athletes in our sport. He’s an icon. He represents everything that tennis means for me.”
Lorenzo Musetti’s impressive clay season leading up to Roland Garros
Musetti kicked off the clay season at the Monte Carlo Masters, where he defeated Matteo Berrettini, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Alex de Minaur on his way to the final, where he lost to Alcaraz.
After withdrawing from the Barcelona Open before his opening round match, he entered the Madrid Open, where he made it to the semi-final, before being overcome by a red-hot Jack Draper.
The Italian’s last campaign before Roland Garros was at the Italian Open, where he earned victories over Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev to advance to the final, but once again fell to Alcaraz.
Musetti is now playing in his fifth French Open, with his best attempt a fourth-round finish, which he achieved in both 2021 and 2024.
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