Former World No. 1 Andy Roddick thinks Lorenzo Musetti will need to lift his game and take the risks if he wants to defeat Carlos Alcaraz in their R4 match at the Miami Open.
The dynamic duo produced some great tennis to reach the final 16 at the Floridian Masters with Musetti sinking home hope Ben Shelton 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) in the previous round while Alcaraz dispatching Frenchman and tour veteran Gael Monfils 6-2, 6-4.
Alcaraz as usual took the charge as a Spanish showman with his amazing shot-making but Musetti also produced some sublime passing shots that silenced the American fans that tried to rally behind Shelton.
World No. 2 will undoubtedly be the hot favorite entering the Tuesday’s matchup as he claimed victories over the Musetti in the last two matches they played in 2023 after losing to the Italian in their maiden clash in 2022.
2003 US Open champion at Tennis Channel was asked what is required of Musetti to install an upset victory against the Spaniard: “Maybe prayer? I don’t know. No disrespect to Musetti, but when Alcaraz is in full flight where does he [Musetti] make gains consistently?
“Alcaraz is going to be in on return games, he served 81% first serves today, he can play through you, he can play around you, he can bring you in so I just don’t know where Musetti goes.
“You got to up your risk profile. Is he going to just wing one-handers up the line for three hours? I am not sure.
“It is no disrespect to Musetti, but I am just so impressed with what Carlos is bringing when he is in full flight. He can beat you a number of different ways, I like Alcaraz.”
The #23-seed himself described Alcaraz as an inspiration while highlighting some of the key traits of the 2-time Grand Slam champion.
“It’s always a nice challenge, especially for me,” said the 22-year-old.
“I have a huge friendship with him and we’ve played so many battles on court. He’s up in the score so hopefully I can win this time. But I’m really looking forward to playing against him.
“He’s a great person, a great human being and a great athlete. For me it’s an inspiration so hopefully I can give my best and try to win that match.”
Alcaraz talked back the compliment when asked about his Italian opponent.
“Against Lorenzo, I know that he is a very talented player, very tough,” he said. “Head to head I think it’s 2-1 for me, if I’m not mistaken. I really want to play against him, and we’ll see how it’s going to be.”