Australian Open 2026: Press conference interview
Lorenzo Musetti spoke with clarity and confidence following his quarterfinal qualification at the Australian Open, offering insight into the mental, physical and emotional evolution that has shaped his run in Melbourne. The Italian highlighted how experience, energy management and belief have begun to align at Grand Slam level, allowing him to sustain performance even after physically demanding matches.
Rather than pointing to a single breakthrough moment, Musetti framed his progress as the result of accumulated lessons and routines developed over recent seasons.
Managing energy across a long Grand Slam
Addressing his physical condition after consecutive demanding matches, Musetti emphasized the importance of conserving energy and managing situations away from the court.
“A Grand Slam is very long, especially if you go deep,” he explained. “The more energy you waste early on, the less you have when it really matters.”
Musetti noted that recent deep runs at major tournaments, including semifinal appearances and a quarterfinal at the US Open, have helped him establish routines that support both physical recovery and mental clarity. According to the Italian, knowing he has done everything right off the court provides reassurance once fatigue inevitably appears.
Confidence built through difficult matches
While acknowledging that his latest performance was controlled, Musetti pointed to his earlier victory over Tomas Machac as a defining reference point. He described that match as evidence of a genuine step forward, citing the opponent’s playing style, shifting conditions and external challenges as factors that tested his resilience.
That experience, he said, translated into greater confidence and courage in Melbourne, allowing him to assert himself and “go and take” the opportunity to reach the quarterfinals.
Learning from previous battles with Djokovic
Looking ahead to a potential quarterfinal meeting with Novak Djokovic, Musetti reflected candidly on past encounters, including their intense battle in Athens. He identified composure and decisiveness as the key areas he must improve to challenge a champion of Djokovic’s caliber.
“In previous matches, I sometimes lacked a bit of coldness, a bit of clarity, and perhaps the competitive sharpness to really close,” Musetti admitted. “I had my chances, even when I was two sets up, but I didn’t fully realize that I could win and go and take it.”
For Musetti, the next step lies not in desire, but in fully embracing the belief that victory is possible at the highest level.
Drawing strength from the past
The Italian also reflected on returning to Melbourne, where he won the Australian Open junior title in 2019. Passing photographs of past champions during training sessions has served as a reminder of the journey from a dreaming junior to a Grand Slam quarterfinalist.
“It’s beautiful to look back and see how much road you’ve traveled and how many sacrifices you’ve made,” Musetti said. “You see a young Lorenzo with eyes full of dreams, dreaming of being where I am now.”
That reflection, he added, continues to provide motivation to one day add a professional title at the same venue.
Focused on the next challenge
As Musetti prepares for the next stage of the tournament, his words reflect a player increasingly comfortable with responsibility, expectation and opportunity. Whether facing Djokovic or another elite opponent, the Italian approaches the quarterfinals with a clearer understanding of what is required — and a growing belief that he belongs.
Musetti expanded on his mental and physical development during his post-match press conference in Melbourne, reflecting on confidence, energy management and lessons learned from previous battles at Grand Slam level.
Photo: Vbrunophotog / Own work — CC BY-SA 4.0