Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Musetti beats Fritz to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final

Musetti’s victory sets up a daunting semi-final clash with seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic.

Musetti beats Fritz to reach his first Grand Slam semi-final

Lorenzo Musetti demonstrated remarkable resilience and skill as he advanced to his first Grand Slam semi-final by defeating American 13th seed Taylor Fritz in a gripping five-set match at Wimbledon on Wednesday.

The Italian 25th seed emerged victorious with a scoreline of 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-2, 3-6, 6-1, marking a significant milestone in his career.


The 22-year-old saved some of his best tennis for the end, outlasting Fritz in a match that showcased his ability to adapt and overcome challenges. Reflecting on his performance, Musetti expressed his satisfaction, saying, "I'm really happy about what I've achieved today. Happy about the way I fought until the end. I found a way to develop my game set after set. It was really a big reaction from me in the fifth. I probably played my best tennis of the week."

Facing Fritz, who had previously reached the quarter-finals of three Grand Slam tournaments, including Wimbledon in 2022, was no easy feat. Fritz, the reigning Eastbourne champion, brought his powerful serve and forehand to the fore, capturing the first set 6-3. He continued to press Musetti, but the Italian responded by elevating his game and taking the second set in a closely contested tiebreak.

Musetti's tactical versatility was on full display as he mixed up his shots, using chips and slices to disrupt Fritz's rhythm. This strategy paid off in the third set, which Musetti won 6-2 with two decisive breaks of serve. Fritz, however, rallied in the fourth set, levelling the match at two sets apiece.

As the match progressed into the fifth set, Musetti's determination shone through. Despite the blustery weather and encroaching shadows on the court, he built a commanding 5-0 lead. Musetti sealed his victory when Fritz hit a shot long after falling awkwardly at the net on the previous point.

musetti second getty Musetti's tactical versatility was on full display as he mixed up his shots, using chips and slices to disrupt Fritz's rhythm. (Photo: Getty Images)

Musetti's victory sets up a daunting semi-final clash with seven-time Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic. The Serbian, aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title, advanced to the semi-finals after Australian ninth seed Alex De Minaur withdrew due to a hip injury.

Musetti acknowledged the challenge ahead, saying, "I've played him many times in different stages, even big ones. I beat him one time in Monte Carlo. I lost the others. With Nole, after the match, I always finished with a lesson. The last match was really an intense one from both players and a really stressful match. Against him, you're probably more stressed because he's probably the best player ever or one of the best ever. You walk on court with a different mentality. If I play a certain way, I could have my shot in the next round."

Musetti's path to this milestone has been marked by significant achievements. He has a career-high singles ATP ranking of World No. 15, achieved on 26 June 2023, and a doubles ranking of World No. 142 as of 1 April 2024.

The Italian has won two ATP Tour singles titles, along with two titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour and two ATP Challenger titles. His ascent began in the junior ranks, where he reached the final of the 2018 US Open boys' singles and won the 2019 Australian Open boys' singles title.

Fritz Fritz reacts after losing the fourth game in the fifth set against Musetti. (Photo: Getty Images)

Musetti made his ATP Tour main draw debut at the Dubai Tennis Championships in February 2020 at the age of 17. He gained recognition at the Italian Open, where he defeated three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka and former World No. 4 Kei Nishikori.

He was also the youngest player to break into the top 100 by reaching the semi-finals of the ATP Tour 500 Mexican Open tournament in March 2021.

Taylor Fritz, on the other hand, has had a notable career with his best Grand Slam results being quarter-final finishes at Wimbledon in 2022, the US Open in 2023, and the Australian Open in 2024.

This year, he reached the round of 16 at Roland Garros and won his third title at Eastbourne, becoming the first three-time champion in the tournament's history.

(With inputs from AFP and Reuters)

More For You

india-sri-lanka-deals

A new five-year defence cooperation agreement includes provisions for training Sri Lankan military personnel in India, along with information and technology sharing. (Photo: X/@narendramodi)

Modi signs defence and energy deals during Sri Lanka visit

INDIA and Sri Lanka signed defence and energy agreements on Saturday during prime minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Colombo, aimed at strengthening ties between the two neighbours.

The agreements come amid New Delhi’s concerns over China’s growing influence in the region.

Keep ReadingShow less
Did Obama Really Weaken the Democratic Party? A New Book Reveals

Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House offers a detailed narrative

Getty

New book claims Obama ‘destroyed’ Democratic Party during and after presidency

A newly published political book has revealed fresh details about former President Barack Obama's complicated relationship with the Democratic Party, portraying him as a figure who weakened the party’s infrastructure during and after his time in office.

The book, Fight: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House, authored by political journalists Jonathan Allen and Amie Parnes, claims that Obama was never a strong loyalist to the Democratic Party. According to the authors, rather than relying on the traditional Democratic Party structure, Obama built his political base by fostering a network of Black professionals to support his campaigns, differentiating him from figures such as former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and current President Joe Biden.

Keep ReadingShow less
Margot Robbie

Margot Robbie pictured at a past red carpet event

Getty Images

Margot Robbie’s Yorkshire hotel getaway during 'Wuthering Heights' shoot grabs attention

The Yorkshire Dales were buzzing with film crews and famous faces recently as Hollywood descended on the moors for a fresh take on Wuthering Heights. Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, and director Emerald Fennell were spotted shooting scenes for the upcoming adaptation of Emily Brontë’s classic in North Yorkshire’s scenic landscapes.

Between takes, the cast found comfort at Simonstone Hall in Hawes, a historic country house hotel that became their temporary home. Known for its scenic views and old-world cosy charm, the hotel hosted the likes of Robbie and Fennell, who were seen enjoying everything from hot tubs and firepits to traditional afternoon tea. Robbie reportedly left a handwritten thank-you note for staff, calling them “the best.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Neena Gupta

Neena Gupta fearlessly addresses uncomfortable truths

Getty

Neena Gupta calls womanhood a ‘curse’ and reflects on India's harsh realities

Veteran actress Neena Gupta is well-known for her unfiltered opinions, often addressing controversial topics head-on. Her recent comments on feminism, women’s safety, and the grim realities faced by women in India have once again stirred discussions across platforms. The 65-year-old actress, who has never shied away from speaking her mind, shared her candid thoughts during an appearance on Lily Singh's YouTube podcast.

During the heartfelt conversation, Gupta opened up about her take on feminism, societal expectations, and the day-to-day challenges that women in India—particularly poor women—face. Speaking about the struggles and societal hurdles, she conveyed a deep sense of despair over the condition of women in the country.

Keep ReadingShow less
Will 'Coolie' vs 'War 2' Be the Biggest Box Office Clash of 2025?

Rajinikanth in Coolie and Hrithik Roshan–Jr NTR in War 2 are set to dominate cinemas this Independence Day weekend

Instagram

Will Rajinikanth’s 'Coolie' vs Hrithik Roshan- Jr NTR’s 'War 2' be the biggest box office clash of 2025?

Independence Day 2025 is shaping up to be a key date for Indian cinema, with two high-profile films locking in the same release window. Lokesh Kanagaraj’s Coolie, starring Rajinikanth, will arrive in theatres on August 14, going head-to-head with War 2, the action-packed sequel from YRF featuring Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR.

The release announcement for Coolie came with a stylish poster of Rajinikanth in a rugged look, blood on his forehead, a whistle on his lips, and hair in disarray. The caption read, “Sound-ah yethu! Deva Varraaru,” confirming the global release date just a day before Independence Day. The poster stirred excitement online, with fans thrilled to finally get a date for what’s being described as one of Rajinikanth’s most intense roles yet.

Keep ReadingShow less