Novak Djokovic wary of French Open challenge against ‘future of tennis’ Lorenzo Musetti

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Novak Djokovic is wary of French Open fourth round opponent Lorenzo Musetti after they set up a clash with one another with wins on Saturday. Djokovic is preparing for the next challenge of his 2021 campaign after another dominant showing on Court Philippe-Chatrier.

Djokovic recorded his third successive straight-sets win at this year’s French Open on Saturday afternoon.

The world No 1 beat Ricardas Berankas 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 to progress into the last 16 at Roland Garros for a record 12th consecutive year.

19-year-old Italian Lorenzo Musetti awaits in the next round after battling to a five-set triumph over former semi-finalist Marco Cecchinato – winning 3-6, 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-3.

Musetti is ranked No 76 in the world and is currently competing in his debut Grand Slam, but Djokovic won’t take the threat he carries lightly.

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After his win over Berankas, Djokovic highlighted Musetti’s spin and power and insisted he must be prepared for a tough test.

He said: “He’s young and plays with lots of spin and power. He has nothing to lose so I need to be ready for this challenge.”

Musetti’s impressive defeat of Cecchinato saw him become just the sixth male player since 2000 to reach the fourth round of a Grand Slam in his debut year.

It’ll be the first-ever meeting between Djokovic and the Italian starlet on Monday, as the Serb looks to improve on his 23-3 record in 2021 so far.

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After his third-round win, Musetti suggested that he’s fulfilling a childhood dream by squaring off against Djokovic at a major tournament.

“We practised a lot with Djokovic together, so we know each other a little bit,” Musetti explained.

“For sure, there is going to be a little bit of tension, but I think it’s what I’m working for since my childhood.

“All the sacrifice and hard work I did in childhood became a reality now. So I’m just enjoying the moment, and I will try to do my best.”

Fellow Italian 19-year-old Jannik Sinner has also advanced to this year’s last 16 at Roland Garros.

It’s the first French Open to feature two teenagers in round four since 2006 when Gael Monfils joined a youthful Djokovic in the tournament’s second week.

Musetti has described himself and Sinner as the ‘future of tennis,’ a bold statement he’ll look to cement further against Djokovic on Monday.

“Me and Jannik, I think we are the future of Italian tennis, and of tennis in general,” Musetti added.

“He’s a bit [more advanced] than me. I’m just living what he was living like last year, so we are growing up together.

“I think we will have a lot of time together in the future.”

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