Miami Open setback: Lorenzo Musetti withdraws as fitness doubts persist

Lorenzo Musetti will not compete at the 2026 Miami Open, becoming one of the most notable absences ahead of the second ATP Masters 1000 event of the season. The Italian, currently ranked World No. 5, has withdrawn due to ongoing physical issues, adding to a growing list of disruptions surrounding the tournament’s opening days.

Musetti’s withdrawal follows a disappointing campaign at Indian Wells, where he was eliminated in the second round by Hungary’s Marton Fucsovics in straight sets, 5–7, 1–6. It was Musetti’s first appearance in nearly two months, after suffering an injury earlier this year during his Australian Open quarter-final clash against Djokovic.

The decision to skip the Miami tournament appears to be precautionary. While no detailed medical report has been released, Musetti has been dealing with lingering discomfort from recent appearances. His team has opted to prioritise recovery at this stage of the season rather than risk aggravating a potential injury during a demanding stretch of the calendar.

His absence also means that two Top 10 players will miss the Miami Open — joining Djokovic — dealing another blow to a tournament already affected by weather disruptions in its early rounds. Musetti had entered as the fourth seed and was awaiting his opponent between Rafael Jodar and Yannick Hanfmann, two players coming from qualifying.

Musetti’s physical issues can be traced back to earlier in the season, most notably at the Australian Open. The Italian was forced to retire during his quarter-final match against Novak Djokovic despite leading 6–4, 6–3, 1–3, due to a right adductor problem that prevented him from continuing.

That episode raised questions about his long-term fitness, particularly as the season began to intensify. Although he returned to competition, the lingering effects appear to have influenced his recent performances, including his early defeat in Indian Wells.

The decision to withdraw from Miami suggests a cautious approach aimed at preventing a recurrence of the same issue. With the clay-court season approaching, managing physical condition becomes critical, especially for a player whose game is well-suited to slower surfaces.

Musetti had been due to defend points from his fourth-round run in Miami last year, where he eventually lost to Novak Djokovic. His absence will now open a spot in the main draw, likely to be filled by a qualifier or a lucky loser.

Looking ahead, Musetti’s priority is expected to be the European clay swing, where he has historically delivered some of his best results. The Italian enjoyed a strong run on clay in 2025, reaching the final in Monte Carlo and the semi-finals in both Madrid and Rome, as well as progressing deep into the Roland Garros semi-finals.

Those results represent a significant portion of his ranking points, making the upcoming months crucial for maintaining his position inside the Top 10. Skipping Miami, therefore, can be seen as a strategic decision to ensure he is fully fit for the most important phase of his season.

For Italian tennis, his absence is a notable loss in Miami, removing one of its leading representatives from the draw. However, the focus now shifts toward his recovery and preparation, with expectations that Musetti will return to competition in optimal condition as the tour transitions to clay.