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Lorenzo Musetti cleared to play Indian Wells after injury layoff

Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
Photo by Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
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Lorenzo Musetti’s season hit a setback after he picked up an injury during the Australian Open, forcing him off the court for over a month.

Musetti had been leading Novak Djokovic by two sets in their quarter-final clash before having to withdraw. The leg injury kept him out of events in Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, and Acapulco.

There was some doubt about whether he’d be ready in time for Indian Wells, but it looks like those concerns have now been put to rest.

Lorenzo Musetti set to return at Indian Wells

Lorenzo Musetti of Italy celebrates winning the match in his match against Jordan Thompson of Australia during day three of the 2024 Adelaide International at Memorial Drive on January 10, 2024 in Adelaide, Australia
Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Musetti has passed all the necessary fitness tests and is set to play at Indian Wells.

He’ll make his way to the US over the weekend ahead of his first appearance since pulling out in Melbourne.

Musetti’s social media post showed him training indoors, and fans will be pleased with how he looked. He moved well during practice and appeared comfortable hitting forehands.

The Italian had a message for his supporters too.

“After weeks of recovery, hard work, and a lot of patience – I’m finally back on court,” he wrote. “Really looking forward to compete again and to feel your support.”

Musetti will be hoping for a strong start as he makes his way back onto the ATP Tour.

Musetti’s record at Indian Wells leaves room for improvement

The 23-year-old will want to mark his return with a strong run at Indian Wells but given his history there, expectations should be tempered.

He’s only won three matches at the tournament overall and has never recorded back-to-back victories. To have any chance of reaching the latter stages this year, he’ll need to find another level of play than what he’s shown in previous editions.

If he does manage a deep run in California or Florida, it could push him closer than ever before.