According to Lorenzo Musetti, Looking Good Really Does Make You Play Better
Our take
The intersection of sport and style continues to deepen, and Lorenzo Musetti’s recent comments on the power of presentation ahead of his US Open match perfectly encapsulate this evolving dynamic. It's no longer enough to simply be a skilled athlete; cultivating a personal aesthetic—a deliberate "tunnel fit," as it's become known—is increasingly vital for building a brand and connecting with fans. This phenomenon extends far beyond tennis, permeating basketball, Formula One, and countless other arenas. The visual element has become a crucial component of the athlete’s narrative, a silent language spoken before the first point, lap, or basket is even made. We've seen this shift reflected in broader fashion trends as well, with pieces like the barn jacket The Barn Jacket Isn’t Going Anywhere—These Are the Best Ones to Buy solidifying their place as wardrobe staples, demonstrating a desire for timeless pieces with a considered edge. Musetti’s acknowledgement of this – the idea that looking good genuinely impacts performance – signals a growing acceptance of style as a tool, not merely a superficial accessory.
The psychology at play here is fascinating. Musetti’s assertion isn't about vanity; it’s about harnessing the power of self-perception. Dressing well can instill confidence, sharpen focus, and ultimately, elevate performance. This echoes the broader understanding of embodied cognition—the idea that our physical state influences our mental state. A well-chosen outfit can trigger feelings of competence and control, creating a positive feedback loop. Moreover, this trend speaks to a broader cultural shift. We are increasingly aware of the power of image and its impact on our overall well-being. This isn't solely about external validation; it's about creating an outward representation of an inner sense of self. The rise of “quiet luxury” and the emphasis on understated elegance, as highlighted in articles exploring the upcoming autumn trends Trust Me, I’ve Lived in London For a Decade—These Will Be the Capital's Biggest Autumn Trends, demonstrates a desire for quality, intention, and a rejection of ostentatious displays – values that resonate strongly with this more considered approach to athletic presentation. Selena Gomez's recent embrace of the suede maxi skirt Move Over, Mini Skirts—Selena Gomez Is Styling Suede in a Maxi for Fall further exemplifies this move towards sophisticated and impactful styling.
What's particularly noteworthy is the shift in power dynamics. Traditionally, athletes were defined solely by their performance on the field. Now, they have a greater agency in shaping their public image, leveraging fashion as a form of self-expression and brand-building. This blurring of lines between athlete and influencer is reshaping the sports landscape, creating new opportunities for partnerships and endorsements. Brands are recognizing the value of aligning themselves with athletes who possess not only exceptional skill but also a distinct and compelling sense of style. This extends beyond simply providing apparel; it’s about collaborating on a broader narrative—a story that resonates with fans and elevates both the athlete’s and the brand’s profile. The athlete's "tunnel fit" becomes a curated moment, a miniature fashion show designed to capture attention and convey a specific message.
Looking ahead, it will be interesting to observe how this trend evolves. Will we see athletes becoming increasingly involved in the design process, creating their own lines or collaborating with established designers? Will the pressure to curate a perfect "tunnel fit" become a source of anxiety for athletes, or will it be embraced as a creative outlet? The integration of fashion and sport is undoubtedly here to stay, and the athletes who master this intersection—those who can seamlessly blend performance and presentation—will be the ones who truly stand out in an increasingly competitive world. The question isn't *if* style will continue to influence sport, but rather *how* this interplay will redefine the very notion of athletic identity and fan engagement.
In the modern world, sports aren't just about what happens on the court, field, or track. Much of the buzz around athletes actually takes place before their events—that is, when they arrive at their respective venues and showcase their latest fashion creations. In basketball, that's referred to as a tunnel 'fit; in Formula One, a paddock 'fit; and so on. What athletes wear when they're not in uniform matters, especially to fans who might never get to speak to their heroes. Clothes are the perfect form of communication—a window into who your favorite athlete is and what they stand for. That's what Go Sports is all about. Yes, we care about box scores, the results of Free Practice 1 (even if it is at 3 a.m.), and RHOSLC-level rivalries, but today, sports fashion matters too. We're not ashamed to say so.
The US Open has officially begun, and with it, the tournament has brought equal parts buzz, chaos, and style to the tennis world (and New York City). Fortunately for us, we snuck in five minutes with Italian star Lorenzo Musetti before things really kicked off. Musetti, an ambassador for both ASICS and Bottega Veneta, is quickly becoming a fan favorite, and though he's had a tough season so far, struggling with injuries that have kept him out of two of the major grand slams in 2026, his performance in Cincinnati has put the odds back in his favor. Plus, after making it to the quarterfinals at last year's US Open, we know he favors the hard courts at Arthur Ashe—and they favor him right back.
Ahead of his round-one match against Arthur Fery on September 1, hear Musetti talk about the energy he always feels when he arrives on the court in New York—particularly after dark. From there, read about the impact he believes feeling good in what you wear can have on your play and the tennis icon he's always looked up to, both for his on-court play and his off-court style.
Talk to me a bit about the US Open and what it means to you. What makes it such a special tournament?
This year, especially for me, it's really important because I missed two Grand Slams, so it's the last opportunity to do well in a Grand Slam. New York has [also] always treated me well as a city. Even in my down moments, New York, with its energy, I think always brought me back again. So, I'm really happy to start and to be back here in New York.
As a spectator, there's nothing better than watching a night match at the US Open. As a player, what separates a night match here from one in the daytime?
Well, since the tension rises when you play a night match, especially in [Arthur] Ashe in front of a packed crowd of more than 20,000 people. Last year, I had the opportunity to play a match like that, and it was really, really intense emotionally for me. [It was] probably one of the most beautiful stages that I have played on. And of course, the conditions [change] from a night to a day session; maybe at night, [it] could get more humid, so the balls can be a little bit rougher and a little bit slower. It's pretty different.
How does wearing the ASICS Night Energy collection add to that experience?
Well, I feel that when you feel comfortable in what you're wearing in your outfit, you have more authority on the court. That's what I personally feel. And with ASICS, especially even last year, during the night session with the black outfit, was really cool. This year, hopefully, I will get to play a night session too. The outfit is really cool, and you can get energy even from that.
The outfit is really cool, and you can get energy even from that.
Lorenzo Musetti
That was a perfect segue into my next question about the look good, feel good, play good mentality that so many athletes either totally agree with or don't resonate with at all. What's your opinion on that, and how do you feel an outfit can affect your play?
I feel that for sure. If you feel happy in what you're wearing, happy with yourself, and, let's say, okay with everything, you have more chances to feel okay when you're playing. It's an advantage to have. On the opposite side, if you feel that you are not really comfortable with what you're wearing or you feel uncomfortable physically, you have fewer chances to win the match.
You have people whose playing style you have looked up to that you've watched your whole career. Are there any tennis players that you've looked up to for their off-court style?
[Roger] Federer has always been my idol, not just in terms of [his] elegance of style, [but] he was playing one-handed backhand, and I'm playing one-handed backhand, too. So, [I've] kind of always tried to mirror a little bit of myself in Roger. Of course, I'm not even close to him, but I recently had the chance to hit with him—to play with him—it was really, really fantastic for me, and, you know, just a moment with my childhood idol.
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