Lorenzo Musetti explains what he ‘realized’ when standing beside Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz on the Olympic podium
A glorious summer for Lorenzo Musetti was capped off with a well-earned bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
Prior to his mesmerizing run in the French capital, Lorenzo Musetti was already relishing some superb form.
He’d reached his maiden Grand Slam semi-final mere weeks before at Wimbledon, losing to Novak Djokovic in straight sets.
Having beaten reigning Olympic champion Alexander Zverev in Paris, the Italian gave himself a shot at one of the rarest prizes in tennis.
A classy win over Felix Auger-Aliassime saw Musetti over the finish line to cap off a year he describes as ‘undoubtedly’ his best yet.
Lorenzo Musetti recalls realisation on Olympic podium
In the bronze medal match, the 22-year-old Italian managed to regain his composure after a mid-match lapse.
Musetti became the first Italian tennis player to win an Olympic medal since Uberto de Morpugo 100 years ago at the 1924 Paris Olympics.
Reflecting on his time in Paris and specifically on the podium, Musetti described exactly when his achievement sunk in.
He told Tennis Majors: “Undoubtedly, this has been my best season to date. From the start of the grass court season to the Olympics, it’s been a whirlwind. We must enjoy the moment.
“When I won the medal, I felt strong emotions,” he admitted. “It was very exciting to be on the podium alongside Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic. At that moment, I realized what I had achieved. Now, it’s within me, but I can’t recreate the moment.”
Currently recovering from a slight blip on the hard courts in what must have been a bizarre Olympic comedown, Musetti is lacing up for an absorbing rematch.
Can Lorenzo Musseti beat Alexander Zverev again?
The Italian has the big hitting German in his way once again, with the pair set to face off on Friday in the Vienna quarter-finals.
Having spoilt Zverev’s hopes of an Olympic double – something Andy Murray miraculously achieved – the top seed in Austria will be out for revenge.
With only two meetings, including their Olympic match, Musetti was forced to retire from their first match early after losing the first set.
Zverev is still on the hunt for a title and can move up to world number two with a win in Vienna.
The German has the advantage on the fast indoor courts, however has historically struggled with the Italian’s dynamic game and strong service return.
It’s set to be a thriller!
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