Lorenzo Musetti states that looking good genuinely enhances your performance.

      In today's world, sports extend beyond just the action on the court, field, or track. A significant amount of the excitement surrounding athletes occurs before their events, as they arrive at venues adorned in their latest fashion statements. In basketball, this is known as a tunnel 'fit, while in Formula One, it's referred to as a paddock 'fit, among others. What athletes choose to wear when not in their uniforms holds significance, especially for fans who may never have the chance to interact with their idols. Fashion serves as a powerful means of communication, offering insight into the personalities and values of beloved athletes. That’s the essence of Go Sports. While we certainly track box scores, the outcomes of Free Practice 1 (even at 3 a.m.), and rivalries worthy of RHOSLC, today we also prioritize sports fashion. We’re unapologetic about it.

      The US Open has officially commenced, bringing a mix of excitement, chaos, and style to the tennis arena (and New York City). We were fortunate enough to steal a few minutes with Italian sensation Lorenzo Musetti before the tournament truly got underway. As an ambassador for both ASICS and Bottega Veneta, he is quickly gaining a fan base. Although he has faced a challenging season with injuries keeping him out of two major grand slams in 2026, his recent performance in Cincinnati has improved his prospects. Additionally, after reaching the quarterfinals at last year’s US Open, he clearly has a preference for the hard courts of Arthur Ashe—and they seem to favor him in return.

      Before his round-one match against Arthur Fery on September 1, Musetti shares his feelings about the energy he experiences when he arrives on the court in New York, especially at night. He discusses how being comfortable in one’s clothing can impact performance and names a tennis icon he has always admired, both for his play and his style off the court.

      (Images credits: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) Discuss your thoughts on the US Open and why it holds a special place for you. What makes this tournament unique? This year is particularly important for me as I've missed two Grand Slams, making this my last chance to perform well in one. New York has always treated me well; even during my low points, the city's energy seems to revive me. So, I’m really excited to be back here.

      As a fan, nothing compares to watching a night match at the US Open. As a player, what distinguishes a night match here from a daytime one? The intensity definitely rises during a night match, especially at Arthur Ashe in front of a sold-out crowd of over 20,000. I had the chance to play such a match last year, and it was an emotionally intense experience for me. It truly was one of the most beautiful settings I’ve ever played in. The conditions also differ—night sessions might be more humid, making the balls behave differently, sometimes slower and tougher.

      (Images credits: Getty Images) How does wearing the ASICS Night Energy collection enhance that experience? When your outfit is comfortable, I feel it gives you more authority on the court. That's my personal experience. Last year, I wore a black outfit during the night session, and it felt amazing. I hope to play in a night session again this year. The outfit is really stylish, and it energizes me.

      That leads perfectly to my next question regarding the mentality of looking good, feeling good, and playing good, which resonates with some athletes and not with others. What are your thoughts on this, and how does your attire affect your performance? I definitely believe in that. When you feel good in what you wear and content with yourself, it increases your chances of performing well. Conversely, if you're uncomfortable in your outfit, it can hinder your chances of winning.

      (Images credits: Darren Carroll/USTA via Getty Images) Are there any tennis players you admire for their style off the court? Roger Federer has always been my idol—not only for his elegance but also because I play a one-handed backhand, like him. I’ve always tried to reflect some of his qualities in my own game. Of course, I'm not nearly at his level, but I recently had the opportunity to practice with him, and it was a truly fantastic experience—a moment I cherished with my childhood idol.