Italian tennis star Lorenzo Musetti has found himself at the center of a storm in Beijing after an on-court outburst aimed at spectators led to accusations of racism and a flurry of social media backlash. The incident, which unfolded during the China Open on September 26, 2025, has sparked widespread debate about player conduct, cultural sensitivity, and the pressures athletes face on the world stage.
The controversy began during Musetti’s round-of-32 match against France’s Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. The 23-year-old, currently ranked No. 9 in the world, was locked in a tense second-set tiebreaker when persistent coughing from the crowd appeared to rattle his composure. In a moment of visible frustration, Musetti was heard exclaiming, “They are always coughing, these f—ing Chinese,” and, according to local media and some video footage, he later muttered, “They cough every three seconds.” The comments, made in Italian, were quickly picked up by microphones and circulated widely online, triggering immediate criticism and allegations of racism.
Despite dropping the tiebreaker, Musetti regained his focus to win the match against Mpetshi Perricard 7-6(3), 6-7(4), 6-4. Yet, any sense of triumph was swiftly overshadowed by the reaction both inside and outside the stadium. Social media platforms lit up with angry posts from tennis fans and members of the Chinese public, many accusing Musetti of disrespect and calling for disciplinary action. Some responded with their own insults and slurs directed at the Italian player and his heritage, illustrating how quickly a single moment can escalate into a cross-cultural flashpoint.
Facing mounting pressure, Musetti took to Instagram the following morning to address the controversy head-on. In a heartfelt statement, he wrote, “I would like to sincerely apologize for what I said in frustration yesterday during my match. My words were directed only at a few individuals in the crowd who were coughing repeatedly and disturbing the play. They were never, in any way, meant for the Chinese people. It happened in a moment of stress and tension in the second tiebreak, but still, this is no excuse at all.” He added, “I realize that the way I expressed myself was wrong and inappropriate, and it hurt many Chinese fans’ feelings.”
For many observers, the apology was a necessary step, but not all were immediately convinced. When Musetti returned to the court two days later to face Adrian Mannarino in the next round, the atmosphere was palpably tense. Some members of the crowd greeted him with boos, and intermittent coughing persisted throughout the match—a pointed reminder that the wounds were still fresh. After securing a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Mannarino, Musetti made a visible gesture of contrition, signing “Sorry” to the courtside camera and making a public apology to the audience. Security was notably tight as he signed autographs and exited the venue, flanked by several guards.
“I am truly sorry. I respect you deeply, I feel at home here, and I value the warmth and kindness I have always received from you,” Musetti reiterated in another message posted on social media. The Italian’s efforts to mend relations appeared genuine, but the episode has reignited ongoing conversations about the responsibilities of athletes as global ambassadors and the fine line between frustration and offense.
Musetti’s 2025 season had, until this point, been marked by impressive performances on the ATP Tour. Boasting a 35-14 win-loss record and deep runs at major events like the Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters and the Chengdu Open, he entered Beijing as one of the tournament favorites. His victory over Mannarino propelled him into the quarterfinals, where he is set to face Learner Tien on October 6 at 7:00 pm local time. The match will be closely watched, not just for the tennis, but for signs of how the local crowd responds to Musetti’s attempts at reconciliation.
Meanwhile, the tennis world has seen similar incidents in recent weeks. American player Taylor Townsend, competing at the Billie Jean King Cup Finals in Shenzhen earlier this month, drew criticism for mocking traditional Chinese dishes served at a tournament buffet. Townsend posted videos of local delicacies such as bullfrogs and turtles, joking about the food and rating the meal poorly. Like Musetti, she soon faced a wave of online backlash and issued a public apology on Instagram, saying, “I just wanted to come on here and apologize sincerely from the bottom of my heart. Everyone has been so kind and so gracious.”
Such episodes highlight the cultural challenges that can arise when athletes travel the globe and encounter unfamiliar customs or crowd behaviors. As tennis continues to expand its reach into new markets, particularly in Asia, players are finding themselves under increasing scrutiny—not just for their performance on the court, but for their words and actions off it. The ATP and tournament organizers have yet to announce any formal disciplinary measures against Musetti, but the incident is sure to spark further discussion within the sport’s governing bodies about education, sensitivity training, and the expectations placed on top competitors.
It’s worth noting that Musetti has had brushes with controversy before. In June, during the French Open, he received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct after accidentally kicking a tennis ball at a line judge, an incident for which he also apologized. While some critics have pointed to a pattern of emotional outbursts, others argue that the pressures of elite competition can push even the most composed athletes to their limits.
For now, Musetti remains focused on his campaign in Beijing, where his on-court results have been as headline-grabbing as his recent remarks. His projected path could see him facing some of the world’s best in the coming days, and with the main draw of the Shanghai Rolex Masters set to begin on October 1, the Italian will have little time to dwell on past missteps. Whether the controversy lingers or fades may depend as much on his future conduct as it does on the fickle winds of public opinion.
As the tennis world looks ahead to the next round of matches, one thing is clear: the spotlight on player behavior is brighter than ever. Musetti’s journey in Beijing continues, with both fans and critics watching closely to see how he responds—on and off the court.
