From Tennis Courts to Turin: A Reflection on Victory, Defeat, and a Disappointing First Juventus Experience
Lorenzo Musetti, fresh off a Davis Cup victory – “it’s really something one dreams of as a child” – recently reflected on the complex relationship between success and passion in sport. He described the win as “the culmination of work, of sacrifice,” the tangible proof of dedication, stating that without a result “the work that went into it is a little nullified.” Tho, he was quick to emphasize that passion fuels the journey nonetheless of outcome. “the passion for sport and tennis in my case is regardless of the results,” he explained, even likening the satisfying sound of a tennis ball leaving the racket to the evocative “sound of grass” cherished by football manager luciano Spalletti.
Musetti, who has reached the semi-finals of Grand Slams twice, sees these near-misses as stepping stones towards his ultimate goals: becoming world number one and winning a Slam. He acknowledges the inevitable sting of defeat, noting that in a typical year he experiences around 43-44 wins against approximately 20 losses. ”To know how to win you have to learn to lose,” he asserted, highlighting the cyclical nature of competition. he admitted that particularly heavy defeats can trigger fleeting thoughts of quitting, but the desire to recapture the “sensations of a victory” always prevails.
This discussion of competitive drive and handling setbacks led Musetti to share a humorous anecdote about his own intensity. He recounted a beach volleyball game during a holiday with his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, where his partner, Veronica, playfully accused him of taking the game too seriously. “I freaked out because then in the end we lost…and it ended in a fight,” he laughed,explaining his belief that effort is paramount,even in casual competition.
Interestingly, Musetti drew a parallel between the mental fortitude required in tennis and the experience of supporting a football team. While discussing the importance of resilience,he unexpectedly revealed a less-than-stellar first experience with Juventus.”The first time I went to see Juventus it didn’t go well,” he confessed, though he didn’t elaborate on the specifics of the match or the disappointment.
The conversation then broadened to encompass other sporting heroes. Musetti spoke with admiration of Gianluigi Buffon and Alessandro Del Piero, legends of Italian football, implicitly acknowledging their enduring impact. He also drew a connection between the dedication required in tennis and the current rivalry in the world of men’s tennis,comparing the intensity of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz to the competitive spirit he embodies himself.Just as he strives for the summit in his own sport,he recognizes the relentless pursuit of excellence in others.
