Musetti stuns Djokovic to set up all-Italian clash at Monte Carlo

VALERY HACHE/ AFP

World number one Novak Djokovic was stunned by Lorenzo Musetti in the third round of Monte Carlo Masters while Daniil Medvedev beat Alexander Zverev to book a spot in the quarter-finals.

Djokovic's quest for a record-extending 39th Masters trophy was prolonged on Thursday after falling to a 4-6 7-5 6-4 defeat at the hands of Musetti.

The Serbian's last meeting with the Italian on clay was a gruelling Roland Garros clash in 2021, in which he battled back from two sets down to win, but this time it was Musetti that claimed a comeback victory in windy conditions.

Both players struggled on their serve in a contest littered with 15 breaks of serve, but Djokovic appeared to have the match in hand as he comfortably took the first set.

However, Musetti refused to go down without a fight and the Italian stepped on the gas in the second set to level the topsy-turvy encounter.

Not even a lengthy halt in play due to rain could dampen Musetti's momentum, and the 21-year-old once again took advantage of a weak serving performance from Djokovic to break and take the win.

"I'm struggling not to cry. It was a really long match, not easy conditions. It was a bit windy, cold," Musetti said. "I'm really proud of myself. The rallies were long, it was a tough, physical battle. Beating Novak is something remarkable for me."

Musetti will next face fellow Italian Jannik Sinner, who beat Hubert Hurkacz 3-6 7-6(6) 6-1.

Elsewhere, Medvedev continued his impressive form this season with a 3-6 7-5 7-6(7) win over Zverev in the 14th chapter of their long-running rivalry.

A month after defeating Zverev in the last 16 at Indian Wells, the winner of four hardcourt titles this year recovered from a set down to beat the German once again in what was his first clay clash.

Defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas eased past Nicolas Jarry in just over 90 minutes, saving two break points to claim a 6-3 6-4 victory and extend his winning streak at the tournament to 12 matches.

Russian Andrey Rublev beat compatriot Karen Khachanov 7-6(4) 6-2, while American Taylor Fritz dispatched Jiri Lehecka in three sets.

German qualifier Jan-Lennard Struff stunned fourth seed Casper Ruud 6-1 7-6(6), ending the Estoril champion's nine-match winning streak on clay stretching back to last July.

Italian Matteo Berrettini earlier withdrew from his meeting with sixth seed Holger Rune due to an abdominal injury, sending the Danish teenager through to the last eight.

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