“The United States is not scary. I leader? In the national team I manage anxiety crises»- Corriere.it

The boy has broad shoulders, but the responsibility is no small one. Lorenzo Musetti promoted to 20 years as leader of Italy in the finals of Davis Cup of Malaga due to the injuries of Sinner (on vacation) and Berrettini (present as a fan) is yet another leap in growth required of the talent that the world envies us.

Already in Bratislava in the preliminary round, last March, Lorenzo had made a commitment to eliminate Slovakia: if he hadn’t beaten Gombos at 2-2, on his debut as a singles player in the blue, we wouldn’t be here talking about Davis.
«A beautiful moment, together with Hamburg’s victory over Alcaraz, the best moment of the season. Saving the match in a corner kick made me mature a lot».

You, born in 2002, what memories do you have of the old Davis, transfigured by the reform?
“Few. I was excited to see Fognini beat Murray in Naples: it was 2014, I was 12 years old…”.

And did the epic of Panatta and Bertolucci’s national team who flew to Chile in ’76 recover it, between TV series and YouTube?
“Not much, I’m always out and about, I see very little TV.”

A crime.
“I’ll make up for it. I can say that Davis has always fascinated me, I experienced her old formula as a spectator, it’s difficult for me to compare it to the current one. But talking to my teammates, they told me that they have a little bitterness in their mouths».

Old or new, it’s up to Malaga to try and win it.
«It’s the end of an excellent season for me, in which I went from No. 59 to No. 23 in the world: I arrive supercharged. Too bad about the absences, but I’m happy with my improvements. The jump was above all a header: I found a balance that also reverberates in tennis. Before, I tended to bring thoughts and problems onto the pitch: with a clear mind, it’s a whole other thing.”

In this learning path are you also understanding how to manage anxiety crises? In Florence you called them panic attacks.
“Getting to know each other helps. The blockage of breathing in the chest must be prevented, it’s a feeling that mounts close to the match, as the adrenaline rises, or with the match in progress. Solving it there, in front of the public, is complicated, but I take it into account: it’s part of the game».

Have you noticed if the attack is related to a certain negative quality in your thoughts?
«I don’t think it’s thoughts, it’s more linked to an emotional sphere that I struggle to express. But less than once. It catches me off guard, it fools me. From then on, it’s more a question of managing your body than your head.”

Let’s talk about the improvements in his tennis.
«The serve now provides for a higher percentage of primes, greater speed and effectiveness: on the fast this year he has often got me out of the way. The forehand is a consequence: if I immediately put the opponent in difficulty with a good serve, then I have more time to build the point calmly, without worrying».

Two titles, one on clay (Hamburg) and one on concrete (Naples). Those who claimed that she was a landowner didn’t understand much.
«I’ve always thought I could have chances on all surfaces. It is the herb that has yet to be decoded: it takes time, it must be metabolized. We will invest in it.”

The only thing missing this year is continuity in the Grand Slams. But from 2023 it will be seeded, certain crosses in the first round will be avoided.
«Being seeded will be an absolute advantage. Now I have a ranking that will lead me to different decisions also in programming».

Comparisons abound between her and Federer on social media.
«It flatters me, but it’s a pity. I’m pleased that the fans see Roger’s reflection in me, but just getting closer to his style (I don’t allow myself victories) would be a great honor for me ».

Who is the young man, the next Next Gen representative like you, who has impressed you the most so far?
«Holger Rune, who at 19 has already been top 10, in Paris Bercy against Djokovic did something exceptional. Auger-Aliassime and Alcaraz, No. 1 at 19, have also grown a lot. In short, the change is underway ».

And are the United States of Fritz, semifinalist in the ATP Finals, and Tiafoe beatable by this Italy?
«These are the last days of a very long season, I believe whoever is in better shape will win. I see a very open challenge. I promise: I will give everything».