Wimbledon 2024: Musetti beats Fritz in five sets, Rybakina and Djokovic into semis – live | Wimbledon 2024

Wonder if Djokovic will think “Muuuuusetti” sounds like “Boooooosetti” …

As for those previous meetings, Djokovic leads their head-to-head 5-1, but Musetti has taken Djokovic to five sets at grand slams twice before, including in the third round at the French Open last month. Of course taking on the seven-times champion in the semi-finals is an unenviable task, but Musetti has nothing to lose and will take hope from the way he surged through against Fritz at the end.

So – what of facing Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals?

He knows better than me the surface and stadium for sure. He’s a legend. He made something really unthinkable for anyone. I’ve had the chance to play against him many times, we know each other well. I expect a big, big fight and I think it’s going to be one of the toughest challenges on tour. But I’m an ambitious guy and I like to be challenged.

Musetti speaks:

I probably have no words. It’s tough to speak, but I try my best. I think I didn’t realise yet what I’ve done. First I want to say thanks to the Italians in the crowd. We were talking with my team about playing on the big stage at Wimbledon, on No 1 Court, it really was an honour for me and I think I played a fantastic match. Really happy to be in my first semi-final here.

I probably played my best tennis [in the fifth set]. It was not the best start, Taylor was leading the game, especially with his serve. The second set I had a big reaction and I changed my attitude. That’s probably what made the difference, my attitude. Hopefully on Friday I’m going to have the same one.

Musetti beats Fritz 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 6-1

Fifth set: Musetti *3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 5-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz appears in control at 30-0 but he just can’t get away from Musetti in this set and the Italian is sending Fritz forwards, then backwards and off-balance in an attempt to retrieve the drop shot and lob. 30-all. But Fritz does gamely hold from there.

Fifth set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 5-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Fritz did, remember, defeat Zverev in five sets in the previous round but is in danger of a final-set whitewash here. It’s so disappointing after the way he came back in the fourth set. And it’s something of an anti-climax for the crowd who, nevertheless, are fully appreciating Musetti’s court craft. Musetti just isn’t missing, the Queen’s runner-up glides to 40-15, and then wrongfoots Fritz, going back behind the stumbling American for the winner. Musetti has saved his best tennis until last – and is a game away from the Wimbledon semi-finals!

Musetti breaks: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 4-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Musetti may not even need to hold serve many more times, because Fritz falls 0-30 down. Fritz can’t afford to surrender this game too. 0-30 turns into 15-40. Musetti chips the return back … Fritz has decided to serve-volley … and Musetti, undeterred, pulls off the pass! The double break is his.

Fifth set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 3-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Musetti has got a spring in his step as he skips through the game to love. He leads 3-0 – and while it’s only one break of serve, he’s not showing any signs of nerves – yet. Can he hold serve from here to reach his first slam semi-final?

Musetti breaks: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-6, 2-0 Fritz (*denotes next server)

The match clock ticks over three hours, and with just over an hour and a half to go until England v Holland, we can be very grateful that Wimbledon now has fifth-set tie-breaks. This match will be finished by then, that’s for sure, but it’s by no means clear who the victor will be. Musetti holds with a rarity for him – back-to-back aces – and Fritz should hold to 30 but goes for it just a bit too much. Deuce. Advantage Fritz. Deuce. Advantage Musetti, courtesy of a fabulous return. Musetti flashes a one-hander down the line, can’t quite see Fritz off in the rally, but then pings another down the line a few shots later and the Italian has the break!

Fritz wins the fourth set 6-3

Fourth set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-5 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

A strong start from Fritz moves him to 0-30. Musetti has the net gods on his side on the third point, his shot hits the tape and flies over, Fritz gets to it but then has to attempt a tricky backhand smash and he can’t. 15-30. Fritz rifles a backhand return down the line to give himself two break points! Musetti serves himself out of trouble on the first, but is powerless to save the second. Fritz breaks and will serve to take this to a fifth set!

Fourth set: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 3-4 Fritz (*denotes next server)

So how will the 22-year-old Musetti cope (yes he’s only 22, even though you’d think he was 52 given his retro style of play), potentially four games from the finish line? Well, very well actually. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game. Back to you Taylor. Who responds with a love hold of his own, sending down a couple of aces in the process.

Fourth set: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 2-3 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Danger for Fritz at 30-40, break point. Musetti has the chance to pass … but instead hits into the sky – and Fritz buries the ball! Deuce. Musetti has Fritz on a piece of string on the next point, dragging him deep left then forward right with the drop shot, and Fritz is flummoxed. Advantage Musetti, a second break point. Fritz saves it with some brave hitting. And then gets to advantage by stretching every sinew to pull off a backhand volley! Game Fritz. Big, big hold.

Fourth set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 2-2 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

A superb volley from Fritz, with Musetti well beyond the baseline, makes it 0-15. Fritz could do with coming forward more often. Musetti responds with a vicious drop shot and it’s 15-all. Then 30-all. And Fritz has the chance to break when he’s rewarded for a strong return. 30-40 – he really needs this. Musetti drop-shots again … Fritz is wise to it … but Musetti pulls off a volleyed lob from near the baseline and emerges victorious! A sliding serve from Musetti makes it his advantage. And the Italian holds. I think the umpire should have handed Musetti the game after that volleyed lob. It was outrageous. Even Camilla is getting excited.

Fourth set: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 1-2 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz is finding his service groove. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, 40-15, game. Having won only 25% of his first-serve points in the third set – quite possibly a career low for him – he’s up to 86% for this set so far. Fritz wants to keep the points short and sharp here – Musetti’s winning far more of the longer rallies – and then try to put some pressure on the Italian’s serve.

Fourth set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 6-2, 1-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Yes, the logic says Fritz should be winning this match. He’ll be kicking himself if this gets away from him. The world No 12 does, at least, hold to 15 at the start of the fourth set. Let’s see if he can build on that. But Musetti provides a swift response with an even more emphatic hold, to love.

Fritz, remember, has played only Nadal and Djokovic in grand slam quarter-finals before. He’s not dealt well with being the favourite here. But now Musetti, having taken the lead, has something to lose. Will he blink? I certainly don’t think this match is over yet. Meanwhile P.K. Adithya emails with some tactical thoughts. “I caught the tail end of the second set during my lunch break, and it seemed like Musetti had to play nearly perfect tennis to overcome his disadvantages and win it. He can rarely get a cross-court top-spin backhand to cross his opponent’s bodyline, which should be one of the bread-and-butter shots for any player. If Musetti’s backhand doesn’t go across Fritz, it can be easily redirected with a forehand to get him on the run. Fritz seemed to be taking advantage of this, yet lost the second set due to brilliant execution by Musetti. It didn’t seem sustainable, and yet here we are.”

Musetti wins the third set 6-2

Third set: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 5-2 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz is up to 42 unforced errors as he’s pegged back from 30-15 to 30-all. And he’s then called for a foot fault. It’s all going wrong. But Musetti then hits into the stands – a willing ballboy goes to retrieve the ball – and it’s 40-30. Musetti’s next play is more elegant and it’s deuce. Fritz digs out a low volley for his advantage. Musetti then chips – and charges forward – but he needn’t have bothered because his approach lands long. Fritz holds but is still struggling to breathe in this set.

Third set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 5-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Musetti, such a throwback, just isn’t giving Fritz any rhythm here, and is cutting Fritz into a thousand pieces with all this slicing, which bounces so low on the grass. The American’s response has been to try to hit bigger and bully Musetti, but that means he’s making too many errors. Musetti holds to 15 – and Fritz’s face right now suggests he’s half-beaten and really doesn’t know what to do next.

Musetti breaks: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 4-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Ouch. At 0-30, Fritz flaps at a smash, and gets it totally wrong. So here are three break points for Musetti. Musetti slices a couple of backhands, before showing more aggression on the forehand wing, and even though Musetti’s shot has pace, Fritz should do better than clobber his forehand well wide! Fritz is falling apart here and Musetti has the double break!

Third set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 3-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Fritz isn’t just playing for a place in his first grand-slam semi-final; he’s also attempting to re-enter the top 10. Though no doubt it’s the semi-final place he really wants. He’s glancing up at his box here, he’s looking for a new plan, because right now the one he’s got isn’t working. He thinks he’s got a glimmer at 30-all, but a timely first ace from Musetti and Fritz’s head is down again. Musetti then holds when Fritz snatches at his backhand and nets.

Third set: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 2-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Musetti is having a lot of success by blocking the backhand return to then get himself into the point. Fritz could do with changing things up here, which he does when he serve-volleys. 30-15. 30-all, when the longest of rallies ends with a drop-shot-cum-smash from Musetti! Not sure he meant that. The Italian puts up his hand and apologises to Fritz, who’s also made to work hard on the next point but edges through when Musetti’s lob goes wide. And an ace secures the game.

Third set: Musetti 3-6, 7-6, 2-0 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Big point at 30-all. Musetti shows good hands at the net with a volley and then a half-volley and it’s 40-30. Fritz then gifts him the game as Musetti consolidates the break.

Musetti breaks: Musetti* 3-6, 7-6, 1-0 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Apparently Musetti has a tattoo which tells him “Il meglio deve ancora venire” – the best is yet to come. Wonder if he glanced at it during that second set as inspiration to draw level. Or maybe he’s glancing at it now, thinking he can now win this match. And he has two break points here in the first game of the third, he nearly takes it with a bruising shot down the line to his left, then moves to the right side of the court to pull off a cross-court forehand pass.

Musetti wins the second-set tie-break 7-5

4-3 after an unreturned serve. A couple of good first-serves there from Fritz. But Musetti still has the mini-break – which he nearly concedes, he’s looking back anxiously as Fritz attempts to lob him – and it lands wide! 5-3 – and then 6-3 when Musetti’s forehand is too hot for Fritz to handle. Three set points – and Fritz saves the first with a gutsy winner …

Fritz really should win the first point – the point is on his racket when he volleys – but he directs it too close to Musetti, who stirs memories of Roger Federer with a beautiful one-handed backhand pass. Wow. 1-0 – and 2-0 when Musetti’s shot grazes about 1mm of the line! Fritz recovers for 2-1 – but Musetti takes the next two for 4-1 – and they change ends at 4-2 …

Second set: Musetti 3-6, 6-6 Fritz

Fritz nervelessly buries the smash for 15-all. And he deals well with Musetti’s slicing on the next point, refusing to be cut up by it all, and eventually it’s the Italian who nets. Fritz rattles through the next two points and into a tie-break they go …

Second set: Musetti 3-6, 6-5 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Musetti’s coach is looking unimpressed when the Italian double faults. But that’s the only blot on his serving landscape as he holds to 15.

Second set: Musetti* 3-6, 5-5 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Clutch moment at 30-all, as Fritz pushes for game point and Musetti set point. The pair are moving each other around, covering every blade of grass at the baseline. Fritz has severals chances to come forward in the rally but resists. And Musetti is victorious! Set point. It’s a second serve but it still has enough zip on it and Musetti can’t get it back. Deuce. Fritz has advantage after a poor return from Musetti – and then comes up with a one-two punch to hold. That could prove to be a huge moment in the match.

Fritz breaks: Musetti 3-6, 5-4 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Fritz had only been broken twice in 76 service games coming into this quarter-final – and now he’s already been broken twice in this match. But he’s able to channel his frustration and quickly move to 0-40 here, courtesy of a wonderful passing shot. Three break-back points. And Fritz races forward to the drop shot and is able to put away the resulting backhand volley! They’re back on serve. This is getting interesting.

Musetti breaks: Musetti* 3-6, 5-3 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Perhaps yes – because Musetti races to 0-30. Fritz takes the next two points for 30-all. And then the pair are pushing each other on the next point, Musetti lobs Fritz … and Fritz attempts to get one on the highlights reel with a tweener when he probably had time to run around it, and his effort isn’t getting back over the net! Break point at 30-40 … and Musetti strikes! He’s broken the Fritz serve and will serve for the set. Fritz is absolutely furious with himself.

Second set: Musetti 3-6, 4-3 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

A love hold for Musetti. His first since early in the match. The Italian is generating a bit of momentum here, he’s looking more proactive, but will it be enough to blow Fritz off course?

Second set: Musetti* 3-6, 3-3 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz, not exactly the most crafty player on tour, shows great guile to pull off a drop shot/lob combo. Musetti himself would have been proud of that. Fritz slightly undoes his good work with a misguided forehand. But a 122mph serve down middle gets the job done as he holds to 30.

Second set: Musetti 3-6, 3-2 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

In response to Gary, I think that’s a really good point about heroes and villains. But I do also think the Wimbledon crowd loves an underdog – and that partly explains the vocal support for Rune. And I think it’s the crowd showing a lack of love towards Djokovic – rather than total disrespect. It’s the lack of love that really gets to Djokovic; he wants to be as loved as much as Roger and Rafa were. I wonder if Djokovic’s decision to call out the fans was a spontaneous outburst of emotion because he was upset by that – or whether it was a more thought-through move on his part. After all, he knows how much he feeds off perceived injustices. Calling them out will have added even more fuel to his Wimbledon fire. Meantime, back on No 1 Court, there’s a hold apiece, so it’s Musetti still with his nose in front in this set.

Musetti breaks and holds: Musetti 3-6, 2-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Well look here! Musetti, out of nowhere, has himself two break-back points. It’s 15-40. And the Italian is roaring when Fritz’s forehand zips long! Musetti needs to build on this – he’s been too subdued and passive so far – hopefully this will ignite some fire in him. He also needs to up his first-serve percentage; he’s not landing enough of them, and when he does, they can lack bite. A first serve in the next game only just reaches 100mph. But he holds to 15 when Fritz’s drop shot slides down on the American’s side of net.

Speaking of the Centre Court crowd, here’s an email from Gary Naylor, re Ruuuuuune/Booooooo-gate. “I’ve been in a few partisan crowds (barely into my teens, I was in the crowd for Merseyside derbies) but the Wimbledon crowd was something different,” he writes. “It has very strongly identified heroes and villains (and some, like Nadal and Murray, who pass between the categories over a career). Martina was a villain and so too is Novak as much as Roger and Tim were heroes. There’s a frisson in the air when the crowd are identifying one or the other player as falling within a category – and if I felt it, I’m sure they did too. The applause for both players at the end can be a bit hollow, the equivalent of saying, “It was only banter”. If Novak feels they went too far, I’m inclined to believe him.”

Fritz breaks: Musetti 3-6, 0-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

I definitely agree with that – but for sure Musetti can raise his level here, there were too many errors in that first set. The crowd are cheering when the Italian conjures up a delicate drop shot for 30-0. But Fritz’s aggression gets him to 30-all. Musetti can’t afford to drop serve so early in this set. A smart sliding serve from Musetti and he’s at 40-30. Fritz pummels a forehand down the line and it’s deuce. Musetti nets with a weak backhand slice – advantage Fritz, break point. Musetti – finally! – shows a bit more assertiveness of his own, attacks the short ball, and is rewarded for his bravery. Deuce. And after another deuce or two or three, Fritz carves out another break point. And Musetti overcooks his forehand. Fritz strikes at the start of the second. The crowd are muted; they want a contest.

A delay between the sets, as medics attend to a spectator who isn’t feeling well. It gives Musetti a bit of a chance to mull over what he can do differently in this second set. Kyrgios makes the point on the BBC that this is Fritz’s first grand-slam quarter-final where he’s been the favourite (He’s had the misfortune of facing Djokovic twice – in the last eight of the Australian Open and US Open – and Nadal once in that 2022 Wimbledon quarter-final) – and that if Musetti hangs in there, Fritz may feel the pressure as he gets closer to victory.

Fritz wins the opening set 6-3

First set: Musetti 3-5 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

A backhand error from Fritz and it’s 15-0. A forehand mistake and it’s 30-0. Musetti set it up for Fritz there with a looping ball … but Fritz battered his forehand just long. But those are the chances he can take when he’s 5-2 ahead. 30-0 becomes 40-15. A rasping return followed by a delicate drop shot from Fritz and it’s 40-30 – the pair engage in a longer rally and Musetti prevails. He is, at least, forcing Fritz to serve out this set.

First set: *Musetti 2-5 Fritz (*denotes next server)

A tennis truism is that power and aggression usually wins through (see Rybakina v Svitolina – though admittedly not Krejcikova v Ostapenko – but then Ostapenko’s power and aggression is totally unchecked) – and that’s the pattern so far here. Musetti, in a spot of bother at 30-all, flashes a backhand well wide. 30-40, a chance for Fritz to secure the double break … but the American’s forehand is just long. Fritz charges forward to the drop shot on the next point – and again his forehand flies over the baseline. Advantage Musetti. And the Italian shows some flair to survive with the hold. Fritz then secures a speedy hold to 15.

Fritz breaks and holds: *Musetti 1-4 Fritz (*denotes next server)

This match is starting to get going now, with some fine shot-making from both. Musetti – all slices and dices, court craft and of course that one-handed backhand – is wonderful to watch. But the commentator’s curse then hits because as soon as I type that he drops 15-40 down. And there are gasps as his backhand slice slumps tamely in front of the net on the first break point. Having missed the chance to break in the opening game, the Italian now finds himself a break down. And Fritz backs up the break to love.

First set: *Musetti 1-2 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Fritz again finds himself under pressure at 30-all. But he dispatches a superb lob – which Musetti can only whack into the net. And from there the American holds. The sun, for once, is out on Centre Court, so the roof is open – a real rarity at this year’s tournament. It means there’s plenty of catch-up going on around the grounds, in the doubles, juniors and wheelchair events.

First set: Musetti 1-1 Fritz* (*denotes next server)

Musetti, with his back-to-front cap (I think that’s acceptable as a 22-year-old – the 33-year-old Grigor Dimitrov definitely didn’t pull off the look this fortnight), is quicker to get going on serve than his opponent, who is wearing a Hugo Boss headband and a Chipotle patch on his top. Slightly different demographics there, I think. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0, game, as Musetti finishes off with a cute drop shot.

First set: Musetti* 0-1 Fritz (*denotes next server)

Opening game, Mr Fritz to serve first. Fritz is slow to get going, and is soon 15-30 down. Musetti gets a look on a second serve but lets Fritz off the hook with a backhand return that sails well beyond the baseline. 30-all. But Fritz flumps into the net and Musetti has an early break point. Again Musetti gets a chance on a second serve – this one is only 85mph – and again Musetti makes the backhand error. Deuce. Fritz has the chance to take the game at his advantage but wildly overhits. Musetti gets the next advantage – and also goes long. Neither have found their range yet. Most of these points are ending in an error. But Fritz does hold from the next deuce, after six minutes.

Fritz and Musetti have made their way on to No 1 Court. It’s not a quarter-final anyone expected, but should be a lot of fun. Both are attempting to break new ground by reaching the semi-finals at a grand slam. The 26-year-old Fritz has been trying for longer than the 22-year-old Musetti – and came close at Wimbledon in 2022, when he led Rafael Nadal by two sets to one in their quarter-final before losing in five.

Fritz will be full of confidence after coming back from the brink to oust Alexander Zverev in the previous round, but Musetti is getting better with every match he plays on grass and reached the Queen’s final a couple of weeks ago.

This match is American power v Italian elegance, Fritz’s huge serve v Musetti’s throwback one-handed backhand. Fritz is the favourite without a doubt – but Musetti did neutralise Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard’s serve in the previous round so will feel he has a chance.

The moments of victory for Rybakina and Krejcikova: