How about this to start your week? Monday, warm-up with 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer. Tuesday, practice with reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic. Wednesday, hit with US Open finalist Daniil Medvedev.
Italian prodigy Lorenzo Musetti was lucky enough to take to the court with this world-leading triumvirate to gain a real taste of the top of tennis.
You might recognise Musetti’s name; the 17-year-old lifted the Australian Open boys’ title last January. Fast-forward to 2020, and Musetti enjoyed a stunning men’s qualifying campaign.
Playing as a wildcard, the teenager managed to topple No.152 Marius Copil from a set down and narrowly fell 6-4 7-6(8) to world No.175 Tallon Griekspoor in the final round.
“I am still young, so I have to grow mentally, technically and physically, that’s what I’m working for. I’m very proud, I did a good job, but I have so much to work on, to improve on,” said Musetti, who spoke to ausopen.com just before flying home to Carrara, Italy.
“I’m very happy with my journey here.”
Instead of jetting home immediately after losing in qualies, the world No.364 searched out hits with the world’s elite, eager to compare his game.
“Because I had the opportunity to hit with these top players, it made me realise how much work there is to be done to make another step forward to be ranked higher and higher and higher like them,” he said.
In fact, Djokovic was the first person to greet him after he walked off court with the boys’ trophy last January.
“Here I had the chance to play with him, for an hour. It was incredible training and I hope in the future we can do more of this training,” said Musetti.
“Maybe in a match soon too, but I’ll have to wait for my chance.”
Djokovic’s fitness trainer Marco Panichi invited his compatriot to practice with the 16-time Grand Slam champion, a chance Musetti grabbed.
“We offered him and other people we knew me to play if they needed a player. At midnight after Novak beat Struff, Marco called my coach and he asked if I wanted to train an hour the next day.
“My answer was quick, of course yes. It was like a dream situation.
“In the beginning you are still managing the pressure of playing with the world No.2, but after you get into the hitting, I relaxed a bit and enjoyed the experience, the practice. I was so focused on what they wanted. They have the priority, they say what we should do, whether it’s cross courts, points, volleys.”
Following the player’s brief, Musetti knew what shots were coming at him, but he still found the level a giant leap.
“The level was incredible. We played out some points from the baseline and I couldn’t believe the consistency,” continued the teenager, struck by the trio’s dedication.
“They cover the court so well, everything goes close to the lines, they defend, they have strength in their legs, it’s not easy to find a way to win one point against them. They have everything.
“I was so impressed that they are the best players in the world but they still seeked the details, the areas to improve. Medvedev was looking at his volleys, Nole was looking at his forehand return, Federer also on the volleys. They are always searching for more. Their desire to gain in every practice, to use the hour well, really struck me.
“A young guy like me, now I know what I have to do in every practice for the rest of my career.”
Combining the three sessions, Musetti feels his desire to reach the top has been reinvigorated.
“It’s very demanding, but it’s inspiring, it gave me so much energy inside me to see that live, to feel that. To inspire me to always give my best like they do, even on the practice court.
“I will do my best to copy them, the last three days were incredible and we will see in the next tournaments how much it changed me.”
No.4 seed Medvedev revealed he was impressed by Musetti’s potential, sharing a similar experience with Djokovic.
“I don't know if he plays like this in the match in terms of striking the ball. He was getting some crazy shots in. He made a tweener winner after doing, like, 10 forehand winners before,” revealed the Russian.
“If we would play the match yesterday, I think he would beat me 2 and 2. But of course it's not like this.
“I remember when I was young, I think the first like huge top player I practiced with was Novak. I was around 450 before going on futures to Belarus and Minsk and he was going to Montreal. But it was fun and was really great.
“I think for young players like Lorenzo, it's amazing experience. He can see the level, see the shots. Sometimes it actually surprises you that he hits maybe stronger than me. When you are young, you think ‘I have to hit stronger.’ You look on the TV. The guys, they play amazing.
“Then you hit with them and then the power of the shot, maybe the speed is the same. So, you understand that it's something more than just the power.”
Musetti was nervous before his all-star hits, but was made to feel very welcome in such esteemed company.
“They were all asking me questions, like when will I next play tournaments.
“With Medvedev we had some jokes about Italy with the pizza and the pasta, they were all interested where I train, but there wasn’t too much chatting, they are all so focused on their practice,” added Musetti.
“They’re great players, but great people, the human being side was impressive, they made me feel very welcome. They are the best players in the world but they are so humble and I’ll never forget that.”
Thrilled to have gained so much down under, Musetti had one standout moment in Melbourne.
“It was more a warm up for Federer’s match (with Steve Johnson) on Rod Laver Arena. It was memorable place for me to play on again,” he added, reminiscing of his 2019 triumph.
“It was all very special, but the first time meeting Roger will stay with me forever. He’s been my idol, my favourite player from since I can remember. It was a dream.
“When we walked towards each other on court he said ‘Hi I’m Roger, nice to meet you.’
“I could only respond ‘I know you are Roger!’ It was magic.”
Considering his past 12 months, Musetti might have to get accustomed to magic moments.