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.

Carlos Alcaraz beat Lorenzo Musetti 6-3, 7-6(4) in a sloppy duel Friday afternoon at the Foro Italico in Rome. He will face world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who beat Tommy Paul later in the day, in Sunday’s 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.