World No. 21 Lorenzo Musetti has become one of the game’s brightest young stars. A two-time tour-level titlist, the 21-year-old looks to earn one of the biggest wins of his career Thursday, when he meets 22-time major champion Novak Djokovic at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters.
ATPTour.com caught up with the Italian to discuss his life on Tour, his favourite travel destinations, and how he makes himself feel at home while on the road.
What are two essential non-tennis items you always pack for trips?
Probably headphones and a speaker. I’m pretty obsessed with the music, so I’d say those two things.
When you’re in your room or in the gym, you have music on all the time?
Yeah, with my playlist for sure.
What’s the number one song you listen to?
Depends on the period. I have a lot of playlists. It depends on the mood and when. Right now, I have some Italian songs.
Have you ever forgotten something on a trip that caused problems?
I have forgotten headphones on the plane. I remember it was in Canada so it was not easy. I tried to contact the airline but no lucky results. It was when I was playing juniors.
How much do you enjoy travelling?
It’s one of the nicest things we have in this sport and in our life. You cannot be a tennis player if you don’t like travelling, it would be some sort of opposite thing. For us, we travel the world to try to discover new places, new countries. For me it’s kind of fun and something I’ve always liked. That’s why also I play tennis.
Have you ever played a tournament because you wanted to see the city?
Honestly, no. I’ve had the opportunity to visit a lot of cities for tennis but I never choose one tournament for the city. I’d say it’s for the condition or for the tournament instead.
What’s been your favourite city on Tour and why?
Not including Italy, I would say I like New York a lot. The energy that the city gives you is something unreal. I always like to go to the US Open.
Is there a particular place in New York you like to visit?
Times Square is something you live like in a movie. It’s something really memorable, especially your first time there.
Where’s your favourite place to go for vacation?
Last year I went to Maldives and it was really, really nice. I’d probably say that.
How much do you think of taking care of your body while travelling?
I try to be as professional as I can, especially when you don’t find something healthy. Especially with food when you go somewhere where you don’t know where to eat, where the meat comes from, you have to adapt yourself like everybody does.
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When you’re on the road, how do you make yourself feel at home?
Going to Italian restaurants. It’s probably the most common thing for my country.
Do you have any tips to get over jetlag?
No, just try to sleep as much as I can on the plane. Try to rest when you get there and plan the practice on the right hours.
Do you like to get to the airport with a lot of time or you don’t like to wait?
I’m the kind who doesn’t like to be late. I’d probably say get there with more time than less.