"Musetti resists Rune's attacks to eventually impose his law"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 2 Jun 2025 | 00.15

Musetti withstands Rune's onslaught to ultimately impose his law. Photo: Getty Images

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Lorenzo Musetti once again demonstrated why he is one of the best tennis players of the moment. The Italian managed to come out on top in a demanding and complicated duel against Holger Rune with a score of 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2 after three hours and 21 minutes. The Dane presented a very tactical match that made the Italian suffer for a long time, as he was very effective with his forehand and constant approaches to the net. However, the world number six showed patience, weathered the storm, and in the end, his best tennis shone through to reach his first quarterfinals at Roland Garros. Now he faces Frances Tiafoe, but Musetti already knows how to endure like the greats.

After a day filled with intense and closely contested matches this Sunday at Roland Garros, two standout names of this clay court season, Holger Rune and Lorenzo Musetti, took to Philippe Chatrier. The Dane barely competed in the three Masters 1000 events, but managed to win the Barcelona Open by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the final. On the other hand, the Italian has been one of the most consistent players in these clay months, reaching the semifinals in Madrid and Rome, and the final in Monte Carlo. Therefore, an intriguing final duel of the day was expected between these two top 10 players.

Musetti came out all guns blazing

However, Musetti asserted his status as the favorite and broke in the first game of the match, making his intentions clear. Yet, Rune did not back down, breaking back shortly after, indicating a match that promised to be long and full of fluctuations. Thus began a tactical battle filled with rallies, drop shots, changes in trajectory, and lobs that characterized the match.

The Italian broke again, and when serving for the first set, Rune broke back. 5-5, all square, and the spectators eagerly anticipated this Sunday night thriller. Musetti was not entirely comfortable, and Rune seemed to have a clearer game plan. But at the crucial moment, Rune faltered, and Musetti seized the first set 7-5 after 80 minutes of intense tennis.

Rune's tactics frustrated Musetti

Despite losing the first set, the Dane remained composed, stayed in the match, which differs from how he usually behaves in some matches, and maintained his gameplay strategy of varying his shots, avoiding straightforward exchanges where Musetti controlled the rally, and above all, inflicting damage with a fiery forehand. Consequently, the 22-year-old secured a very solid second set (6-3), and the last fourth-round clash promised excitement until the end.

Considering how the second set unfolded, Rune had the more positive momentum compared to Musetti, but the Italian regrouped during the set break and returned with an added spark, breaking the Dane’s serve to lead 3-0. Although Rune's style remained consistent, featuring a devastating forehand, it was Musetti who had the upper hand.

Enduring the assaults from the young Dane, yet weathering the storm, Musetti claimed a third set (6-3) where the early break proved pivotal. Musetti closed the set and gestured ‘I am here’. A clear message, perhaps to Rune, indicating that if he wanted to conquer him, he would have to work hard for it.

After the storm, the Italian's best tennis resurfaced

Leading 2-1 in sets bolstered Musetti’s confidence, prompting him to be more assertive, understand Rune’s tactics better, while the Dane's effectiveness gradually faded. Musetti once again managed to break Rune's serve, bringing the quarterfinals within reach.

Frustration grew for the world number 10, watching a match he had under control for a long time slip away. Serving became more challenging for him, and the Italian excelled in hitting winners. The storm had passed for Musetti, and his best tennis resurfaced, a level that he has showcased throughout the clay court season.

Transitioning from organized and tactical play, Rune turned desperate, hitting every ball. Though he maintained his attitude, he eventually succumbed to a Musetti who learned to endure and stay composed during the toughest moments, a trait only the best players possess. It seems that after this impressive victory with a score of 7-5, 3-6, 6-3, 6-2, 'Lore' is on his way to becoming one of them.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Musetti resiste las embestidas de Rune para terminar imponiendo su ley