Italy's Lorenzo Musetti takes part in a training session on the Aorangi practice courts on the eleventh day of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships
Lorenzo Musetti beat Novak Djokovic in Monte-Carlo in 2023 (Picture: Getty)

Lorenzo Musetti insists he has a ‘chance’ to defeat Novak Djokovic in their Wimbledon semi-final after his ‘magic day’ in SW19 on Wednesday.

The Italian 25th-seed faces the biggest match of his career today as he locks horns with the 24-time Grand Slam champion on Centre Court in the last four.

Musetti is feeling on top of the world and has nothing to lose with the 22-year-old conjuring up his best career run at the Championships this year.

He produced an impressive five-set win over Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals – a day he has described as ‘magic’ – and feels he’s got a ‘shot’ against seven-time Wimbledon champion Djokovic on Friday afternoon if he plays a ‘certain way’.

‘Of course, yeah, for me it’s kind of magic day,’ Musetti said after knocking out American 14th-seed Fritz.

‘I have to say after the birth of my son, I will put in the second position today for my career. Of course, for my career is the best day of my life.

‘I think I can have a chance with Nole the next round. Of course, I have played him many times in different stages.

Serbia's Novak Djokovic takes part in a training session on the Aorangi practice courts on the tenth day of the 2024 Wimbledon Championships
Novak Djokovic is a huge favourite against Lorenzo Musetti (Picture: Getty)

‘Even big ones like of course two times at the French Open. I beat him one time in Monte-Carlo. Then I lost all the others.

‘I have to say with Nole, after the match I always finished with a lesson. Of course, the last match was really an intense match from both players and really stressful match.

‘So what I have to say, against him you are probably more stressed because he’s probably the best player ever or one of the best players ever.

Lorenzo Musetti's record vs Novak Djokovic

Lorenzo Musetti has played six matches against Novak Djokovic on the ATP Tour in total to date.

The Italian has beaten the Serbian once, which came in Monte-Carlo last year, while Djokovic has won the other five meetings.

Their most recent clash came at this year’s French Open with Djokovic winning a five-set thriller 7-5 6-7 (6-8) 2-6 6-3 6-0 in a match which ended past 3am local time.

‘You walk on court with a different mentality. As I said before, I think if I play in a certain way, I could have my shot in the next round.’

Djokovic faces an awkward return to Centre Court for his battle with Musetti after slamming the British crowd in an angry on-court interview in his last match.

The Serbian was left furious at booing and ‘disrespect’ following his win over Holger Rune in the last 16 before Djokovic was handed a quarter-final walkover.

MORE : London weather forecast leaves Wimbledon fans on tenterhooks

MORE : How much is the Wimbledon prize money for 2024?

MORE : Wimbledon fans spot BBC ‘recreating’ moment from horny tennis movie during match