John McEnroe has expressed his admiration for Lorenzo Musetti as the Italian prepares to face Novak Djokovic. “I like the way he plays, I’m impressed,” McEnroe remarked on Thursday. Musetti, who began the grass-court season with a losing record, has historically been seen as a clay-court specialist, struggling to adapt to hard courts and perceived to have no chance on grass.

However, McEnroe sees something unique in Musetti’s game. “He’s a little bit old school, I love that. One-handed backhand, that’s like a dying breed,” he noted. This blend of traditional technique and modern resilience has earned Musetti the respect of the tennis legend.

Musetti’s journey this season has been marked by significant growth and adaptation. Coming into the grass season, many doubted his ability to perform on the surface. Yet, his recent performances have proven otherwise, showcasing his evolving skills and determination. McEnroe’s praise highlights not only Musetti’s technical prowess but also his mental fortitude and willingness to embrace and overcome challenges.

Lorenzo Musetti in 2024

At the moment ranked no.25, Musetti played his last match on the 10^th of July when he overcame world no.12 Taylor Fritz 3-6 7-6(5) 6-2 3-6 6-1 in the quarter in Wimbledon (draw).

During this season Musetti achieved a 29-19 record. Lorenzo Musetti’s best accomplishment of this season was reaching the final in the Cagliari Challenger, the Turin Challenger and London.

Lorenzo Musetti will come up against the world no.2 Novak Djokovic in the semifinal on Friday at 4:30 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their record is 5-1

for Djokovic.

Lorenzo reached the final in the Cagliari Challenger, in the Turin Challenger and in London (cinch Championships).

Novak Djokovic in 2024

Now ranked no.2, Djokovic played his last match on the 8^th

of July when he beat world no.15 Holger Rune 6-3 6-4 6-2 in the 4^th round in Wimbledon (draw).

Presently, during this year Novak has managed to achieve an overall 22-6 win-loss record. Novak Djokovic’s best result of this season was getting to the semifinal at the Australian Open, Monte Carlo and Geneva.

Novak Djokovic will square off with the world no.25 Lorenzo Musetti in the semifinal on Friday at 4:30 pm on CENTRE COURT. Their current head to head is 5-1 for Djokovic.

Djokovic won 99 titles in his career: 53 on hard courts, 19 on clay courts, 19 on indoor courts and 8 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)

Lorenzo Musetti and Novak Djokovic squared off 6 times. Their current record is 5-1 for Djokovic. Before, the last time they locked horns, Novak Djokovic won 7-5 6-7(6) 2-6 6-3 6-0 in the 3^rd round in Paris (French Open) on the 1^st of June 2024.

You can see them in action in the following highlights.

Lorenzo Musetti and Novak Djokovic

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