"I had never faced a Novak like this before, I was impressed"

Fernando Murciego | 12 Jul 2024 | 22.25

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Although right now the defeat is weighing most on the mind of Lorenzo Musetti, the truth is that the Italian can leave Wimbledon 2024 feeling very satisfied. Not only for achieving his best result in a Grand Slam, but also because this Friday he had several opportunities to fight much more against a Novak Djokovic who ended up prevailing in crucial moments through skill and experience. Head held high for the transalpine player, who concluded his great grass season with his final press conference in London.

First Impressions

"I am a little sad about today's match, about how it went, but I think Novak played an incredible game. He showed that he is truly in great form, not only in terms of tennis, but also physically. I don't have much to say about my game, I believe I did quite well overall. I am going home with many positive things. It has been an amazing two weeks for me; it was surprising to see how I could maintain my level even today. I am proud of what I have achieved in this tournament."

Match Analysis

"It was a great match from both sides. I think it was the seventh time we faced each other, but I never faced a Nole like this. Today he impressed me a lot; it was our first time on grass, and his tennis fits perfectly on this surface, especially in terms of returning, it's almost like a joke. Today the way he kept returning was amazing, as well as how he played the crucial points, served very well, and deserved to win. This combination allowed us to deliver a great match, with high intensity and good exchanges; it was a great battle."

Djokovic and his Meniscus

"I had seen him compete in other matches, I did not see him suffering physically, although I am sure that in the early rounds he didn't play his best tennis. Honestly, I also believe that he had plenty of time to rest; he didn't play in the quarterfinals, so he had more days off. I never thought he was struggling in that aspect, at least from what I saw in his movement."

Evaluation of his Tournament

"I am taking many positive things from this tournament; it has shown that I can compete against almost anyone on tour, that I can beat anyone. Probably, before this tournament, I didn't have that awareness, that I could be someone who can defeat anyone. After this tournament, which is also a Grand Slam, I believe my level can be even higher, especially in five-set matches. I am going home with the idea that I can beat almost everyone."

Improved Attitude on the Court

"I am not doing any extra work; it just emerged as I evaluated myself on the court and tried to do things differently to change situations, to take more responsibility on the court and thus try to grow. As you grow in life and mature, you can do the same on the court. Of course, it all starts with daily training, how you approach each match, or how you handle certain moments in the game. Matches like today's help me learn and improve myself in all these aspects."

Moment in Italian Tennis

"Everyone has their own career, but it's exciting to share all these weeks with Italian colleagues from both circuits. Every week we have an Italian in the quarterfinals, semifinals, or even as a champion. I have my own path, but if someone from Italy goes far in a tournament, I will be very happy for them. Now, the Olympics are coming, a very special moment for me. I am looking forward to experiencing that and bringing home as many medals as we can for our country."

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, “Nunca me había enfrentado a un Novak como éste, me impresionó"

ATP