Musetti shocks defending champion Zverev to set up Rome semi-final clash with Alcaraz

Lorenzo Musetti produced one of the biggest upsets of the 2025 Italian Open, defeating defending champion and world number two Alexander Zverev in straight sets, 7-6(1), 6-4, on a dramatic Wednesday night in Rome. The victory propels the Italian into a blockbuster semi-final clash with Carlos Alcaraz, setting the stage for a mouthwatering all-NextGen encounter.

Zverev, who entered the match as the reigning Rome Masters champion, looked set to take control early on. After the two exchanged early breaks, the German broke Musetti at 5-5 and built a commanding 40-0 lead on his serve. But Musetti refused to fold. Roared on by a passionate home crowd, the 22-year-old saved four set points and flipped the momentum, storming through the tiebreak 7-1.

Musetti rises, Zverev crumbles

The second set saw more tension — both on court and from Zverev, who got into a heated exchange with the umpire. Although he managed to stay composed momentarily, the pressure mounted at 4-4. That’s when Musetti struck a sensational backhand passing shot to earn a break point, which he converted with precision before serving out the match confidently to 30.

With this win, Musetti secures his third clay-court semi-final of the year, cementing his place as one of the most in-form players on the surface this season.

Alcaraz in Peak Form Ahead of Clash

Earlier in the day, Carlos Alcaraz, the tournament’s third seed, delivered what he called one of his “best matches of the season” to overpower Jack Draper. The Spaniard’s dominant showing not only propelled him into the semi-finals but also lifted him to No. 2 in the ATP rankings, just behind fellow young gun Jannik Sinner.

This sets up a high-stakes rematch between Alcaraz and Musetti, with the Spaniard having won their previous encounter in Monte Carlo last month.

Up Next: Italian Open Semi-Finals Preview

Carlos Alcaraz vs Lorenzo Musetti - A clash of flair, finesse, and next-gen firepower.