Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Musetti Highlights, Wimbledon 2024 semi-final: Djokovic defeats Musetti in straight sets to setup final date with Carlos Alcaraz

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Lorenzo Musetti outplayed Taylor Fritz at Wimbledon 2024 on Wednesday to reach the last four of a Grand Slam for the first time. The Italian turned in one of the best performances of his career to send Taylor Fritz to his second consecutive Wimbledon quarter-final defeat. For the American, it was a repeat of the story from two years ago when he lost to Rafael Nadal in another five-set affair.

The 22-year-old Italian posted a 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 win in three hours and 27 minutes to become only the fourth Italian to reach the men’s singles semifinals in Wimbledon history. Fritz had come through with a gritty turnaround win from two sets down against Alexander Zverev in the fourth round.

Musetti outfoxed Fritz, the three-time winner at Eastbourne, to set up a last-four meeting with Novak Djokovic. The Musetti-Djokovic match will be the Italian’s first time on Centre Court.

Djokovic got a free pass into the last four at SW19 for his 13th men’s singles semi-final at the venue. Djokovic was to face Alex de Minaur in the last eight, but the Australian pulled out after a hip injury ruled him out of the match. Alex de Minaur had hurt his hip in the fourth-round match against Arthur Fils.

At 37 years and 49 days, Djokovic is the third player aged 37 and over to reach the Wimbledon singles semifinal in the Open Era. The other two men on the list are Ken Rosewall (1974) and Roger Federer (2019).

Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Musetti match details

Date: July 12th, Friday

Time: 8:00 PM IST (Tentative)

Venue: Centre Court, All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club

Novak Djokovic vs Lorenzo Musetti preview

Fritz had his foot in the door but could not quite walk through it in his round of eight match against Lorenzo Musetti. The Italian was composed in his maiden major quarter-final while facing World No. #12 Taylor Fritz. The former ATP Top 20 player made 39 unforced errors compared to 55 by Fritz. Musetti converting 6/13 (46%) of available breakpoint opportunities helped seal the win.

After battling through five rounds, four of which kept Musetti on the court for over three hours, the Italian faces Djokovic for a chance to play for his first Grand Slam title. Djokovic had an extra rest to prepare for his semi-final following the withdrawal of his opponent, Alex de Minaur. In the back of the Serbian’s mind will be the possible rematch against Carlos Alcaraz in the finals. 

Alcaraz faces Daniil Medvedev in the last four, who handily dispatched World No. #1 Jannik Sinner in their quarterfinal on Tuesday. With the win, Medvedev is in the last four for a second year running against the same opponent. The result was a straight-set defeat to the Spaniard.

Head-to-head records

Matches – 6

Novak Djokovic – 5

Lorenzo Musetti – 1

Djokovic and Musetti have met twice this season, with both wins going to the Serbian. Their most recent match was in the third round of the French Open, which Djokovic won in five sets.

Prediction

Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title has brought him to the doorstep of a sixth straight championship round against Italian Lorenzo Musetti. The Italian stretched the No. #2 seed at Roland Garros in May with his on-court wizardry. But Musetti, whose preferred surface is clay, will find the going tough against the seven-time Wimbledon title holder.

The Serbian has 97 wins for only 11 losses in nineteen main draw appearances at Wimbledon. Musetti is 7-3 at SW19 from his three main draw appearances. The Italian has made three ATP-level quarterfinals this season, including the final run at Queen’s Club. 

Despite being pegged back by younger rivals and withdrawing from the French Open with a bad knee, Djokovic is still at a healthy 22-6 this season. Musetti finds himself at 23-17 in 2024. Looking at the Grand Slam numbers, Djokovic is 13-1, and Musetti is 8-2.

After coming off a tough five-setter against Taylor Fritz, Musetti’s lack of experience on the surface compared to his Serbian rival will be a factor on Friday. With Djokovic having an extra day to rest his knee, the odds of him making yet another final are more than his opponent’s.

Result: Novak Djokovic to win in four sets.

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