Now a Top 25 player, Lorenzo Musetti quietly having breakthrough season

HIGHLIGHTS: Lorenzo Musetti's win over Felix Auger-Aliassime in Monte Carlo

As breakthrough seasons go, Lorenzo Musetti's has been quiet but consistent.

Now up to a career-high No. 24 in the rankings, the 20-year-old Italian with a pleasing one-handed backhand says he has made big improvements this season.

"I think I've grown, matured as both a person and a player. I'm good during training, taking what I do in practice to the courts. It doesn't mean I'm always successful, but the important thing is to hit the showers knowing you've done your best," he told Italian newspaper Gazzetto dello Sport.

His climb has been even more important because it followed a downward slide in the second half of 2021, which led to suggestions that he should change his team. But Musetti has stuck with his coach, Simone Tartarini, and turned around his form.

"Tartarini, I always say, is someone who has known me since I was a child," he said. "He's someone who has my full confidence. If one day we decide it would be good to have an extra person on my team, we will. But for now it's good as it is."

Musetti's biggest achievement this season has been winning his first tour title, at the Hamburg Open. The victory took him from No. 62 to No. 31 on tour, and it came over Carlos Alcaraz, who has since reached No. 1 in the world.

"When you succeed in beating somebody like Alcaraz in the final, it is obvious that you are full of confidence," Musetti said. "You're aware you're going in the right direction."

He is also decisive about what direction he should go with his game, and where he needs to get better.

"My shots at the beginning of the point," he said. "Serving and returning, I have to be more aggressive. We have been working hard on this and will keep doing the same way, but compared to a season ago I've really progressed."

Musetti starts play in the second round of the Napoli Cup in Naples, Italy.