Musetti Makes History, Sets Sights on Djokovic in Australian Open Quarter-Final

MELBOURNE, 28 January 2026 – Italian star Lorenzo Musetti has broken new ground at Melbourne Park, powering into his first Australian Open quarter-final and in the process completing a full set of last-eight appearances at all four Grand Slam tournaments. The fifth seed’s milestone run, achieved amidst significant personal challenges, sets up a blockbuster clash with 10-time champion Novak Djokovic.

A Breakthrough Performance

Musetti secured his place in the final eight with a commanding 6-2, 7-5, 6-4 victory over ninth-seeded American Taylor Fritz on Monday 26 January. The win was built on a dominant serving performance, where the Italian fired 13 aces and won 84 per cent of his first-serve points. He credited a newfound aggressive mentality on hard courts for his success, a surface traditionally considered his secondary strength behind clay.

“I came here with a different mentality,” Musetti said post-match. “I think I made one of my best performances with aces in my career. I improved a lot on the serve and especially trying to be a little bit more aggressive with the forehand.”

Historic Week for Italian Tennis

Musetti’s run is part of a historic fortnight for Italian men’s tennis in Melbourne. By reaching the fourth round alongside compatriots Jannik Sinner and Luciano Darderi, the trio became the first three Italian men ever to reach that stage at the Australian Open in the same year. Musetti himself had to battle through a gruelling four-hour, 27-minute five-setter against Tomas Machac to advance to the second week for the first time.

Key Facts: Lorenzo Musetti at Australian Open 2026

Overcoming Personal Adversity

The 23-year-old’s campaign has been conducted under difficult personal circumstances. His long-time coach, Simone Tartarini, and a physio had to return to Italy for family reasons early in the tournament. Furthermore, Musetti has been away from his partner and their two young children since 1 January, following the birth of his second son in late November.

“I feel more mature on the court. I’m playing better for that, and for them,” Musetti reflected, dedicating his performances to his absent support team and family. “Now it’s more than 20 days that I’m alone and it’s not easy, but I feel their presence also here.”

The Djokovic Challenge Awaits

Musetti now faces his toughest test: a quarter-final against 24-time major champion Novak Djokovic. The Serbian legend leads their head-to-head record 9-1, with Musetti’s sole victory coming in 2023. Djokovic advanced via a walkover after his fourth-round opponent withdrew.

Despite the daunting challenge, Musetti is embracing the opportunity. “Every time I leave the court with something, and that’s something… that I really think is helping me to try to win against him,” he said. “I feel ready to try to push him to his maximum.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lorenzo Musetti’s best result at a Grand Slam?

Musetti has reached the semi-finals at both Roland Garros (2025) and Wimbledon (2024). His Australian Open 2026 run marks his first quarter-final in Melbourne and completes his set of quarter-final appearances at all four majors.

What is Musetti’s record against Novak Djokovic?

Djokovic dominates the head-to-head, leading 9-1. Musetti’s only victory came in Monte Carlo in 2023. Djokovic has won their last six encounters.

How has Musetti’s game improved on hard courts?

Musetti has specifically worked on adding more power and aggression to his forehand and improving his first serve. His performance against Fritz, where he hit 13 aces and controlled rallies from the baseline, is evidence of this development.