Lorenzo Musetti makes a verbal gaffe at the China Open in Beijing. After criticism arises, he speaks out.
Tennis star Lorenzo Musetti advanced to the round of 16 at the China Open on Friday with a victory over Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (7-6, 6-7, 6-4). After the match, the Italian’s verbal slip quickly became the focus of attention.
Serving in the second tiebreak, the 23-year-old was unhappy with the crowd and annoyed by the disruptive noise from the stands. “Those damn Chinese are always coughing,” complained the Italian.
The condescending remark quickly caused a huge uproar online and accusations of racism, especially since Taylor Townsend had recently made negative comments about China. Musetti felt compelled to apologize on Saturday.
“Dear Chinese fans, I sincerely apologize for what I said yesterday during my match out of frustration. My words were directed only at a few people in the audience who were repeatedly coughing and disrupting the match,” he wrote on Instagram.
“They were never, under any circumstances, directed at the Chinese people. It happened in a moment of tension in the second tiebreak, but that is no excuse. I admit that my choice of words was wrong and inappropriate and hurt the feelings of many Chinese fans. I deeply regret this and feel great remorse,” Musetti explained.
In Sunday’s round of 16, the 23-year-old will face France’s Adrian Mannarino. If he wins, he will face either his compatriot Flavio Cobolli or Learner Tien from the USA.
