Lorenzo Musetti is into the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam for the second time in his career, after a victory over Holger Rune in the fourth round.
Musetti defeated the Norwegian over four sets, winning 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, to advance to the last eight at the French Open.
Rune’s triumph in Barcelona will remain his only title of the season, as he exits in the round of 16 at a major for the fourth time since Wimbledon last year.
Despite the world number 10’s efforts, he was ultimately overcome by an in-form Musetti, who revealed what his game plan was against Rune after the contest.
Lorenzo Musetti reveals what his strategy was against Holger Rune
Following the match, Musetti said: “He’s a really aggressive player, and he moves the ball really well, he’s a really great athlete.
“I knew it was going to be a physical match, and it was really important for me to hold serve, because he’s really aggressive, especially on the second serve.
“The strategy was to try to keep the backhand cross [court], and then when I had the chance, to try to lead the rally with the forehand, and I did it.
“When I was in a difficult situation, I was using the slice really well, and I think that was bothering him much.”
Lorenzo Musetti’s quarter-final opponent at Roland Garros
Musetti’s next opponent comes in the form of Francis Tiafoe, who defeated Daniel Altmaier to book his place in the quarter-finals.
Tiafoe has enjoyed a flawless Roland Garros campaign so far, having not dropped a set in wins over Roman Safiullin, Pablo Carreno Busta, Sebastian Korda, and Altmaier.
He and Musetti have met five times before, with the head-to-head record currently 3-2 in favour of the American.
Only one of those matches was on clay, however, in which the Italian emerged victorious in Rome in 2023.
Their most recent clash was at the Cincinnati Open last season, which Tiafoe won in straight sets to the delight of the home crowd.
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