Chef Musetti's Shark Scare

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Fans are well accustomed to Lorenzo Musetti's magical backhand, deft touch and explosive forehand, with the Italian soaring to tour-level titles in Hamburg and Naples this season.

But what is the 20-year-old like off court? ATPTour.com caught up with the World No. 23 in Milan to discuss his cooking skills, acting dreams and more...

If you weren’t a tennis player, what job would you want and why?
I would be an actor. I don’t know if I would be good or not. But when I was a kid there was tennis or acting. I tried some theatre stuff when I was at school. But I was better at tennis.

If you could have dinner with three people, who would they be and why?
I would pick Roger Federer. He is my idol in tennis. Then Al Pacino. He is one of my favourite actors. And probably Tedua, that's a famous Italian singer. I also have one of his songs tattooed on my rib. I have huge respect for him. It would be a good atmosphere.

Describe your perfect day if you are not playing tennis?
I would go to the beach if it's really hot. I like listening to good music at the beach because that means a nice atmosphere. I would just like to relax.

Who has had the greatest impact on your life and why?
I think Simone [Tartarini], my coach. We have been together since I was eight or nine. We shared a lot of moments together. A lot of matches. He has helped me a lot, even right now. I am really grateful for the work that he is doing. He is part of my family right now.

What is the most interesting thing you have ever done in your life?
One of the most interesting things that I have done is going in a shark cage. My coach convinced me because I was not in the mood to do it. We were in South Africa and we had this amazing experience. I was nervous, but it was a really great experience that I would do again for sure.

If you had to choose between attending a music concert or a sporting event, what would you choose and why?
I would choose a music concert because I have never been to a music concert. It's something that I really want to happen.

Luckily I have been to lots of sports events. Last year here in Milan, I was at the Milan [football] derby [with] 70,000 fans. That was an amazing atmosphere and an amazing match. It was a draw. There was a good atmosphere there.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be and why?
That's a tricky question. I would say teleporting. I would rather be in so many places in a short amount of time.

Have you got a hidden talent and can you tell me a bit about how you got into that?
I can cook pretty well. I would say that is is not a talent yet, I need to work. If I would work on cooking, it would become a real talent.