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18 Apr 2025, Fri

Musetti stuns Tsitsipas in epic comeback to reach first Monte Carlo Masters 1000 semifinal

Lorenzo Musetti


The clay courts of Monte Carlo witnessed a defining moment in Lorenzo Musetti’s career. The 23-year-old Italian pulled off a remarkable upset, defeating world number 8 Stefanos Tsitsipas in a gripping 2-1 sets battle, with a scoreline of 1/6, 6/3, 6/4. This victory propelled Musetti into his maiden semifinal at a Masters 1000 event, cementing his status as a rising star in professional tennis.

Tsitsipas took control early, dominating the first set. On the iconic Rainier III court, the Greek star showcased his aggressive style, closing out the set 6/1 in just 30 minutes. Musetti, ranked 16th globally, struggled to find his rhythm, committing unforced errors and faltering against Tsitsipas’ precise serve. The packed Monegasque crowd sensed a straightforward win for the two-time tournament champion.

The tide turned in the second set. Musetti recalibrated his approach, incorporating more variety with slices and net approaches to disrupt Tsitsipas’ game. A critical break in the sixth game gave the Italian momentum, allowing him to level the match with a 6/3 score. The shift reignited the contest, setting the stage for a dramatic decider.

In the third set, both players pushed their limits. Long rallies and intense exchanges captivated spectators as Musetti and Tsitsipas battled for supremacy. The turning point came in the seventh game when Musetti capitalized on a weak return to break Tsitsipas’ serve. Holding a 4/3 lead, the Italian stayed composed, sealed his service games, and closed out the set 6/4. The win marked Musetti’s first victory over Tsitsipas in six professional encounters.

A career-defining milestone

Reaching the Monte Carlo semifinals is Musetti’s finest hour in a Masters 1000 tournament. His previous best showings at this level were quarterfinal runs in Monte Carlo (2023) and Paris (2022). This breakthrough performance on the prestigious Monegasque clay elevates the Italian’s profile in an increasingly competitive field.

Hailing from Carrara, Tuscany, Musetti is celebrated for his elegant and versatile game. His clay-court prowess, honed from a young age, blends technical precision with tactical ingenuity, featuring a one-handed backhand and strategic net play. Defeating Tsitsipas, a clay-court specialist, underscores Musetti’s readiness to compete at the highest level.

The road to the semifinals tested Musetti’s resolve. In the round of 16, he staged a comeback against Czech player Jiri Lehecka, while in the quarterfinals, he dispatched compatriot Matteo Berrettini with a commanding 6/3, 6/3 scoreline. Each match showcased Musetti’s ability to handle pressure and adapt, traits that signal his potential for future success.

  • First win over Tsitsipas: Musetti had lost all five prior meetings, including clashes at Roland Garros and Barcelona.
  • Ranking boost: The Italian is projected to enter the ATP top 15, surpassing his career-high of 15th in 2023.
  • Italian milestone: Musetti is the first Italian to reach Monte Carlo’s semifinals since Fabio Fognini in 2019.
  • Olympic pedigree: His bronze medal at Paris 2024 highlights his ability to shine on big stages.

Shaking up the Monte Carlo narrative

Musetti’s triumph carries symbolic weight. Tsitsipas, champion in 2021 and 2022, entered as a heavy favorite with a near-flawless record of 20 wins in 21 matches in Monte Carlo since 2021. His early exit signals the end of his dominance on this clay and paves the way for new contenders like Musetti to make their mark.

The loss impacts Tsitsipas’ standing. As the defending champion, he faces a significant points drop, likely pushing him outside the top 15—a setback for a player once ranked among the world’s top five. The result adds pressure on the Greek to regroup in a season already marked by inconsistency.

Italian fans, meanwhile, erupted in celebration. With Jannik Sinner leading as world number 1 and Musetti now shining, Italy is enjoying a golden era in tennis. The friendly rivalry between the two young stars has energized fans and inspired a new wave of players across the country.

Facing Alex de Minaur next

Musetti’s semifinal opponent is Australia’s Alex de Minaur, ranked 10th globally. Known for his relentless speed and consistency, De Minaur is in top form, having claimed the ATP 500 title in Acapulco earlier in 2025. The matchup promises intrigue, pitting Musetti’s flair and creativity against De Minaur’s defensive tenacity.

The two met once before, with Musetti winning on clay in Barcelona in 2022. Monte Carlo’s slow courts may favor the Italian, but De Minaur’s ability to grind out points makes him a formidable foe. The outcome will hinge on Musetti’s ability to maintain the aggression that toppled Tsitsipas.

Monte Carlo’s clay legacy

The Monte Carlo Masters 1000, held since 1897, is a cornerstone of the tennis calendar. Its clay courts demand endurance, patience, and precision, making it a unique challenge. For Musetti, competing in this storied event offers a chance to emulate legends like Rafael Nadal, who holds a record 11 titles here.

Musetti’s run reflects the strength of Italian tennis on clay. Alongside Sinner and Berrettini, he is part of a generation excelling on the surface, earning titles and deep tournament runs. Italy’s clay-court tradition, rooted in technical skill and adaptability, continues to thrive.

Key tournament moments

The 2025 Monte Carlo Masters has delivered surprises. The other semifinal features Spaniards Carlos Alcaraz, world number 3, against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, ranked 42nd, in an unpredictable clash. Alcaraz, chasing his first Monte Carlo title, remains the favorite, but Fokina has shown he can upset top players.

Musetti’s journey has been a highlight. His wins over seasoned and emerging talents alike demonstrate his readiness for elite competition. A potential final berth would further solidify his growing reputation.

  • Tournament standouts: Alcaraz defeated France’s Ugo Humbert in the quarters, while Fokina ousted Russia’s Karen Khachanov.
  • Crowd surge: Over 10,000 fans attended daily, a 15% increase from 2024.
  • Prize pool: The event offers roughly 6 million euros, with 900,000 euros for the winner.
  • Global reach: Broadcast to over 100 countries, Monte Carlo 2025 is among the year’s most-watched tournaments.

Looking to the semifinal

The clash with De Minaur will test Musetti’s tactical acumen. The Australian’s knack for retrieving tough shots demands patience, and Musetti must balance aggression with precision to avoid prolonged rallies. A victory would send him to his first Masters 1000 final, a historic achievement for the young Italian.

Fans in Italy are rallying behind Musetti, whose Monte Carlo campaign is already the best by an Italian since 2019. Win or lose, his performance signals a bright future, proving he has the skill and mentality to chase major titles.



The clay courts of Monte Carlo witnessed a defining moment in Lorenzo Musetti’s career. The 23-year-old Italian pulled off a remarkable upset, defeating world number 8 Stefanos Tsitsipas in a gripping 2-1 sets battle, with a scoreline of 1/6, 6/3, 6/4. This victory propelled Musetti into his maiden semifinal at a Masters 1000 event, cementing his status as a rising star in professional tennis.

Tsitsipas took control early, dominating the first set. On the iconic Rainier III court, the Greek star showcased his aggressive style, closing out the set 6/1 in just 30 minutes. Musetti, ranked 16th globally, struggled to find his rhythm, committing unforced errors and faltering against Tsitsipas’ precise serve. The packed Monegasque crowd sensed a straightforward win for the two-time tournament champion.

The tide turned in the second set. Musetti recalibrated his approach, incorporating more variety with slices and net approaches to disrupt Tsitsipas’ game. A critical break in the sixth game gave the Italian momentum, allowing him to level the match with a 6/3 score. The shift reignited the contest, setting the stage for a dramatic decider.

In the third set, both players pushed their limits. Long rallies and intense exchanges captivated spectators as Musetti and Tsitsipas battled for supremacy. The turning point came in the seventh game when Musetti capitalized on a weak return to break Tsitsipas’ serve. Holding a 4/3 lead, the Italian stayed composed, sealed his service games, and closed out the set 6/4. The win marked Musetti’s first victory over Tsitsipas in six professional encounters.

A career-defining milestone

Reaching the Monte Carlo semifinals is Musetti’s finest hour in a Masters 1000 tournament. His previous best showings at this level were quarterfinal runs in Monte Carlo (2023) and Paris (2022). This breakthrough performance on the prestigious Monegasque clay elevates the Italian’s profile in an increasingly competitive field.

Hailing from Carrara, Tuscany, Musetti is celebrated for his elegant and versatile game. His clay-court prowess, honed from a young age, blends technical precision with tactical ingenuity, featuring a one-handed backhand and strategic net play. Defeating Tsitsipas, a clay-court specialist, underscores Musetti’s readiness to compete at the highest level.

The road to the semifinals tested Musetti’s resolve. In the round of 16, he staged a comeback against Czech player Jiri Lehecka, while in the quarterfinals, he dispatched compatriot Matteo Berrettini with a commanding 6/3, 6/3 scoreline. Each match showcased Musetti’s ability to handle pressure and adapt, traits that signal his potential for future success.

  • First win over Tsitsipas: Musetti had lost all five prior meetings, including clashes at Roland Garros and Barcelona.
  • Ranking boost: The Italian is projected to enter the ATP top 15, surpassing his career-high of 15th in 2023.
  • Italian milestone: Musetti is the first Italian to reach Monte Carlo’s semifinals since Fabio Fognini in 2019.
  • Olympic pedigree: His bronze medal at Paris 2024 highlights his ability to shine on big stages.

Shaking up the Monte Carlo narrative

Musetti’s triumph carries symbolic weight. Tsitsipas, champion in 2021 and 2022, entered as a heavy favorite with a near-flawless record of 20 wins in 21 matches in Monte Carlo since 2021. His early exit signals the end of his dominance on this clay and paves the way for new contenders like Musetti to make their mark.

The loss impacts Tsitsipas’ standing. As the defending champion, he faces a significant points drop, likely pushing him outside the top 15—a setback for a player once ranked among the world’s top five. The result adds pressure on the Greek to regroup in a season already marked by inconsistency.

Italian fans, meanwhile, erupted in celebration. With Jannik Sinner leading as world number 1 and Musetti now shining, Italy is enjoying a golden era in tennis. The friendly rivalry between the two young stars has energized fans and inspired a new wave of players across the country.

Facing Alex de Minaur next

Musetti’s semifinal opponent is Australia’s Alex de Minaur, ranked 10th globally. Known for his relentless speed and consistency, De Minaur is in top form, having claimed the ATP 500 title in Acapulco earlier in 2025. The matchup promises intrigue, pitting Musetti’s flair and creativity against De Minaur’s defensive tenacity.

The two met once before, with Musetti winning on clay in Barcelona in 2022. Monte Carlo’s slow courts may favor the Italian, but De Minaur’s ability to grind out points makes him a formidable foe. The outcome will hinge on Musetti’s ability to maintain the aggression that toppled Tsitsipas.

Monte Carlo’s clay legacy

The Monte Carlo Masters 1000, held since 1897, is a cornerstone of the tennis calendar. Its clay courts demand endurance, patience, and precision, making it a unique challenge. For Musetti, competing in this storied event offers a chance to emulate legends like Rafael Nadal, who holds a record 11 titles here.

Musetti’s run reflects the strength of Italian tennis on clay. Alongside Sinner and Berrettini, he is part of a generation excelling on the surface, earning titles and deep tournament runs. Italy’s clay-court tradition, rooted in technical skill and adaptability, continues to thrive.

Key tournament moments

The 2025 Monte Carlo Masters has delivered surprises. The other semifinal features Spaniards Carlos Alcaraz, world number 3, against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, ranked 42nd, in an unpredictable clash. Alcaraz, chasing his first Monte Carlo title, remains the favorite, but Fokina has shown he can upset top players.

Musetti’s journey has been a highlight. His wins over seasoned and emerging talents alike demonstrate his readiness for elite competition. A potential final berth would further solidify his growing reputation.

  • Tournament standouts: Alcaraz defeated France’s Ugo Humbert in the quarters, while Fokina ousted Russia’s Karen Khachanov.
  • Crowd surge: Over 10,000 fans attended daily, a 15% increase from 2024.
  • Prize pool: The event offers roughly 6 million euros, with 900,000 euros for the winner.
  • Global reach: Broadcast to over 100 countries, Monte Carlo 2025 is among the year’s most-watched tournaments.

Looking to the semifinal

The clash with De Minaur will test Musetti’s tactical acumen. The Australian’s knack for retrieving tough shots demands patience, and Musetti must balance aggression with precision to avoid prolonged rallies. A victory would send him to his first Masters 1000 final, a historic achievement for the young Italian.

Fans in Italy are rallying behind Musetti, whose Monte Carlo campaign is already the best by an Italian since 2019. Win or lose, his performance signals a bright future, proving he has the skill and mentality to chase major titles.



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