Following his upset victory over three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, the #NextGenATP star faced former World No.4 Kei Nishikori. The 18-year old dispatched of his Japanese opponent 6-3 6-4, becoming the first Italian teenager to reach the last 16 in Rome since 1989.

“It was an incredible match,” said Musetti after the match. “I think I played really smart, as he was playing close to the baseline. It was different to Wawrinka, they are great champions. I am really happy right now. I felt really good on my forehand from the beginning. I could play more offensively on return, than against Stan.”

After saving three break points in the first set at 1-1, it was all Musetti as he dictated play from both wings. Keeping Nishikori pinned to the baseline, the Italian claimed the first set after 43 minutes.

Even following a 12-minute delay due to the floodlights going off on Court Centrale, Musetti was able to maintain his momentum. The World No.249 broke Nishikori at 4-4, before calmly serving out the match.

"I always used to be warrior, a fighter, but I had a lot of ups and downs during the past year," said Musetti. "This month, I tried to be calm and stay positive on court, and I think it's my best improvement in the past few weeks. Here in Rome, I'm feeling really well. Even today, I think I won mentally, because I played well on the tough points. I think the key was this, the important points."

The Italian will meet Dominik Koepfer, who upset fifth seed Gael Monfils 6-2 6-4 to book his spot in the third round.

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