A bold claim from a respected Italian coach has sent ripples through the tennis world, suggesting the era of dominance enjoyed by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner could face an unexpected challenge from their compatriot, Lorenzo Musetti.
The Bold Prediction from Renzo Furlan
According to coach Renzo Furlan, who spoke to Italian outlet Nord Est, world number seven Lorenzo Musetti possesses a game that is, in some respects, superior to the sport's two leading lights. "Paradoxically, he plays better than Sinner and Alcaraz," Furlan stated, acknowledging the youngster's immense potential. He believes Musetti can aspire to be world number three in 2026, though winning a Grand Slam would depend on various circumstances.
Furlan pointed to Musetti's excellent 2025 season on clay, where his only losses came to Alcaraz and Britain's Jack Draper. He described the 23-year-old as a "complete player" with valuable experience and no significant physical problems, suggesting that with a bit of luck, major titles could follow.
Musetti's Rise and the Gap to the Top
Musetti has indeed been knocking on the door of the very elite. He reached the semi-finals of the French Open in 2025 and made the last four at Wimbledon in 2024. His consistent performances, including a runner-up finish in Monte Carlo and further semi-finals in Madrid and Rome, propelled him into the top ten for the first time last season.
However, a clear gap remains between him and the undisputed top two. Alcaraz and Sinner have won the last eight Grand Slam titles between them, evoking memories of the famous rivalries from the previous era. In head-to-head matches, Musetti has beaten Alcaraz just once in eight attempts and has lost all three of his meetings with Jannik Sinner.
Strategic Changes for the 2026 Campaign
Recognising the need to bridge this gap, Musetti has made significant off-court moves. He has hired Vincenzo Santopadre as his full-time coach, a decision Furlan believes will provide strong motivation. More strategically, he has added the experienced Jose Perlas to his team.
Perlas, famed for guiding Carlos Moya to world number one and a Grand Slam crown, is expected to hone the proactive, aggressive game needed to disrupt the sport's biggest hitters. Musetti himself has admitted his focus is squarely on closing the distance to Alcaraz and Sinner, evolving from a player who belongs at the top to one who consistently wins.
The first major test of this new setup will be the 2026 Australian Open later this month. A deep run in Melbourne, where he has previously struggled, would instantly validate his coaching changes and perhaps begin to turn Furlan's provocative prediction into reality.
