A resilient Jordan Thompson fightback was not enough to stop Lorenzo Musetti from reaching the final of the cinch Championships at Queen's Club.
The 22-year-old proved that world number one Jannik Sinner is not the only Italian to be feared at Wimbledon with a 6-3 3-6 6-3 victory in two hours and 18 minutes.
Thompson defied a back injury which required regular treatment at the changeovers to battle from a set down to take the match to a decider.
But Musetti grabbed the decisive break when the Australian's volley landed a millimetre out, and bravely held serve to love before collapsing in delight.
"That was definitely one of the toughest matches of this week. Jordan was playing at an amazing level, especially in the second and third set," he said.
"At 4-3 I played some amazing shots which gave me the break and I didn't shake, even under pressure. It was key for me to hold serve at the end and I'm really proud of what I've achieved this week.
"I love this sport, I'm really passionate about it and since I was a kid I dreamt to be number one in the world.
"It would be super nice to win here in Queen's with so much history. There are a lot of Italians here in London, I really feel like I'm at home."
