Monte Carlo: Musetti loses to Sinner following famous win over Djokovic

Miami Open finalist Jannik Sinner defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-2, 6-2 to reach his first Monte Carlo semifinal.

It's the Italian's third consecutive Masters 1000 semifinal after reaching the same stage at the Indian Wells and Miami Open (eventually getting to the final).

Musetti was aiming for another famous win to follow up his shocking victory over world No.1 Novak Djokovic in their round-of-16 match on Thursday.

The 21-year-old Italian stunned the Serb 4-6 7-5 6-4, advancing to the quarterfinal. Musetti recovered from a set down and 2-4 in the second set to turn the match around.

In the deciding set, the Italian broke Djokovic's serve before converting his fourth match point to seal the upset. Musetti broke his serve eight times during the two-hour and 54-minute match.

Speaking to reporters after his exceptional victory, Musetti tried to contain his emotions, saying: “I am struggling not to cry.”

He continued: “It is an emotional win because it was a really long match … I am really proud of myself. I am struggling not to cry because it is a dream for me.”

Djokovic told reporters he was “not really in the mood to speak” and felt “terrible” following his loss.

He is the youngest player in the Open Era to reach the semifinals of the Indian Wells, Miami Open and Monte-Carlo in the same season. Before Sinner, only the Big-4 (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Djokovic, and Andy Murray) had done so.

Sinner will face Holger Rune in his next match, who had a stunning victory against Daniil Medvedev, reaching his first Monte Carlo semifinal.

Speaking to reporters on the clash, he admits his happiness to play against him in what will hopefully be an exciting match.

"Two young players facing each other. Both of us are very aggressive, we try to do our thing on the court, different kinds of attitudes. I'm happy that I have a chance again to play against him. Hopefully, it's gonna be a very exciting match," Sinner said.