“I didn’t have expectations”: Lorenzo Musetti reacts to early Indian Wells exit after injury layoff

Lorenzo Musetti’s return to the ATP Tour ended earlier than he had hoped after the Italian fell 7-5, 6-1 to Marton Fucsovics in the second round of the 2026 Indian Wells. The defeat marked Musetti’s first competitive appearance since suffering an injury during the Australian Open earlier this season.

The Italian had spent more than a month away from competition following the physical issue sustained during his match against Novak Djokovic in Melbourne. His appearance in the California desert therefore represented an important step in his recovery, even if the result ultimately did not go his way.

Against Fucsovics, Musetti showed flashes of the variety and shot-making that have defined his rise on the ATP Tour, particularly during stretches of the opening set. However, maintaining that level proved difficult as the match progressed, with the Hungarian gradually taking control.

After a competitive first set in which Musetti managed to recover from a break deficit to level the score at 5–5, Fucsovics held firm in the closing stages before dominating the second set. The match reflected the challenges players often face when returning after several weeks away from competition.

Speaking after the match, Musetti acknowledged that the lack of recent match play played a role in the outcome. While he felt physically ready to return, the rhythm and confidence required in key moments were harder to find after more than a month without competition.

The Italian admitted he expected difficulties before stepping on court, particularly against an opponent like Fucsovics who thrives in long rallies and physical baseline exchanges. “Certainly the lack of habit of playing certain points, certain moments, and the little confidence I have right now because I missed this month. It was definitely visible in those key moments that ended up deciding the first set, which maybe could have gone differently.”

Despite the defeat, Musetti stressed that the opportunity to compete again was an important step in his recovery process. For him, real matches remain the best way to rebuild rhythm after an injury break.

“Well, I was certainly aware that it wouldn’t be an easy match. There were ups and downs and unfortunately I finished on the downside. The fact that I played this match is good for me, even losing it so clearly makes me reflect on what I need to keep doing. But there is no better training than a real match, so it is definitely a test of how I’m feeling, and physically I feel good, which is a positive sign.”

With his Indian Wells campaign ending early, Musetti indicated that his immediate focus will now turn toward preparing for the upcoming Miami Open, the second tournament of the traditional “Sunshine Double.”

Because the calendar offers limited competitive opportunities between the two Masters events, players often rely on practice matches to maintain rhythm. Musetti suggested that training under match-like conditions will be central to his preparation in the coming days. Several players eliminated early in Indian Wells remain in the area before travelling to Florida, creating opportunities for high-level practice sessions that simulate competitive situations.

“I didn’t have expectations, honestly. It was a surprise — the expectation was that I would struggle,” the world No. 5 added. “I knew it wouldn’t be easy to play good tennis and to surprise myself with a high level like in Australia. I had already said that. It went like this and hopefully there will be other matches and I can play a lot of practice sets in order to arrive in Miami ready.”

The Italian also noted that adapting to the different playing conditions in Florida will be another part of the preparation process before the Miami Open begins. “You have to try to work as much as possible under real conditions, in situations that I will then find again on court in Miami, with other players who have lost and who will also stay here and maybe won’t go to the Challengers in Phoenix and Cap Cana. That is certainly the best condition. I still don’t know when I will move to Miami, to try the Florida conditions which are different.”

Despite the early exit, Musetti’s return to competition provides a positive sign after the injury setback in Melbourne. With his physical condition improving and more match practice planned in the coming days, the Italian will now aim to rediscover rhythm as the ATP Tour shifts from the California desert to South Florida.