Finally, Musetti knows he can take down nemesis Novak

THE irony is that should Lorenzo Musetti defeat Novak Djokovic on Centre Court, the Serb will have played a big part in his own downfall.

- Matt Majendie

Twice already, Musetti has faced Djokovic in Grand Slams, and twice taken him to five sets. While both ended agonisingly for Musetti, he believes they have made him the player that has reached the final of Queen’s and the last four of Wimbledon.

“I played him many different times at a different stage, even big ones like, of course, two times in the French Open,” he said. “I have to say with Novak, after the match I always finished with a lesson. Of course, the last match was really an intense match from both players and a really stressful match. And the win [over Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals] is probably the result [that helps me the most]. I think I can have a chance with Novak the next round.”

The 22-year-old Italian feels like a throwback to another age: a flair player with a stunning one-handed backhand.