Lorenzo Musetti makes history as three Italians reach Australian Open fourth round

Lorenzo Musetti overcame searing temperatures and an inspired Tomas Machac to reach the fourth round of the Australian Open, recording his best result yet in Melbourne.

Along the way, he helped write another chapter in Italian tennis history. On Saturday, Musetti outlasted Machac in five sets, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, 5-7, 6-2, on John Cain Arena. With the victory, he joined Jannik Sinner and Luciano Darderi in the fourth round, marking the first time three Italians have reached that stage at the Australian Open.

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“I feel pretty proud to be part of this trio that now we have in the fourth round here in Australian Open. It’s my first time, so I’m really, really happy,” No. 5 seed Musetti told press.

“I’m proud of the win today. It was such a tough battle for me with an opponent who played I think really incredible level (until) the end. It was not easy.”

Saturday proved a grueling test in Melbourne’s extreme heat, with highs nearing 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Several matches were suspended due to the tournament’s Heat Rule, and Musetti’s clash ultimately finished under the shade of a closed roof.

Despite the conditions, Darderi upset No. 15 seed Karen Khachanov to set up a meeting with two-time defending champion Sinner. The world No. 2 defeated Eliot Spizzirri in four sets, battling through severe cramping to advance.

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Musetti and Machac were closely matched statistically, striking 55 and 54 winners, respectively. The difference came in the unforced errors: Musetti committed 53 to Machac’s 82. The Italian leaned on his fitness and physicality as the match wore on. Machac faded in the fifth set, managing just two winners, as Musetti sealed the victory after four and a half hours.

“I think I’m prepared to play these kind of matches, especially in this condition and to five sets. I was ready since the beginning,” Musetti said afterward.

“We knew that today was going to be really, really hot. I managed well to finish the match without cramping, without having kind of any pain. I think that’s the most important thing.”

The 23-year-old entered the Australian Open seeded No. 5 and at a career-high world No. 5 ranking. He began 2026 strongly, reaching the final in Hong Kong (falling to Alexander Bublik) and winning the doubles title alongside close friend Lorenzo Sonego.

He carried that momentum into Melbourne. Musetti opened his campaign with a four-set win, via retirement, over Belgium’s Raphael Collignon, 4-6, 7-6 (3), 7-5, 3-2 (ret.), before defeating countryman Sonego in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, 6-4.

That victory over Sonego was dedicated to members of his coaching team facing personal challenges. Coach Simone Tartarini returned to Italy following the death of his mother, while physio Damiano Fiorucci also traveled home after a health scare. In their absence, Musetti has been working with coach Jose Perlas, hired during the offseason.

“It hasn’t been an easy week from an emotional point of view, because two members of my team are going through a bad time,” Musetti told Italian press after the second round, celebrating the win by signing a message to them on the camera lens.

“All this, instead of putting further pressure on me, has helped to make me even more responsible. I dedicate this success to them.”

Next up is No. 9 seed Taylor Fritz. Their head-to-head stands level at 3-3, though the Australian Open marks their first meeting on outdoor hard courts.

Musetti is seeking his first Grand Slam title in Melbourne—and his first title at any level since 2022.