Djokovic to play Musetti in French Open last 16
Last updated on: 05 June,2021 08:05 pm
Djokovic to play 'future of tennis' Musetti in French Open last 16
PARIS (AFP) - Novak Djokovic cruised into the French Open last 16 for the 12th consecutive year with a 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 victory over Lithuania s 93rd-ranked Ricardas Berankis on Saturday.
The world number one will take on Italian 19-year-old and Grand Slam debutant Lorenzo Musetti for a place in the quarter-finals.
"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," Djokovic said of a first meeting with Musetti.
Djokovic is bidding to be the first man in more than half a century to win all four majors on multiple occasions.
Musetti became just the sixth man since 2000 to make the fourth round of a major on his debut, overcoming 2018 Roland Garros semi-finalist Marco Cecchinato in five sets.
"We practised a lot with Djokovic together, so we know each other a little bit," said Musetti, ranked 76.
"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 the childhood became reality now.
"So I m just enjoying the moment and I will try to do my best.
With Musetti and compatriot Jannik Sinner, also 19, advancing to the last 16, it is the first men s French Open to feature two teenagers at this stage since 2006, when Djokovic and Gael Monfils reached the second week.
"Me and Jannik, I think we are the future of Italian tennis, and of tennis in general," said Musetti.
"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," he added.