Lorenzo Musetti stepped up to defend Carlos Alcaraz in the face of rising criticism over the Spaniard's perceived lack of consistency and commitment. The two rivals battled in the Rome Masters semi-final.

Home favorite Lorenzo Musetti bowed out in the Rome Masters semi-final following a 6-3, 7-6 defeat to Carlos Alcaraz. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd at Foro Italico, Musetti admitted he struggled to stay positive.

Local favourite Lorenzo Musetti squares off against Carlos Alcaraz in a rematch of the Monte Carlo Masters final from last month. A Foro Italico blockbuster semifinal awaits on Friday. Their previous meeting was a heartbreak for the Italian tennis star after a good beginning,