Up-and-coming Italian star Lorenzo Musetti, 19, has shown that his idol was Swiss tennis superstar Roger Federer. Federer, 39, is a 20-time Grand Slam record champion and also a former number 1 in the world.
Many younger generation players admired the Swiss growing up and Musetti is no exception. Roger Federer, Musetti told the ITF website when asked who his idol was growing up. Last year, Musetti won three qualifiers to secure a spot in the Rome Masters main draw.
The Italian continued his strong form in the peloton when he surprised three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka in the first round with 6: 0, 7: 6 (2). “Against Stan Wawrinka in Rome last year,” said Musetti when asked about his favorite game.
Musetti, who enjoys a career-high ranking of 90th place in the world, also had the chance to compete against eight-time ATP champion Andrey Rublev. Last year Rublev won the Qatar ExxonMobil Open in Doha 6-4, 6-4 against Musetti.
“Probably Wawrinka and Andrey Rublev,” said Musetti when asked about the toughest opponents he has faced.
Musetti dreams of winning Wimbledon
When asked about his favorite Grand Slam tournament, Musetti said: “Wimbledon because it’s tennis paradise.”
In addition to tennis, Musetti also loves basketball and soccer. “Basketball and soccer,” said Musetti when asked about his favorite sport besides tennis. When it comes to basketball, his favorite team are the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Lakers are linked to the Boston Celtics in most of the NBA championships they have won, while Juventus is one of the most successful teams in the Italian league. “Los Angeles Lakers and Juventus,” said Musetti when asked about his favorite basketball and soccer team.
Musetti played at the Sardegna Open in Cagliari this week, where he reached the quarter-finals before losing to Serbian Laslo Djere.
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