Tennis Star Musetti Apologizes for Comments on Chinese Fans

Musetti frustrated by coughing fans in Shanghai Masters

World number nine Lorenzo Musetti gets frustrated with coughing fans during Shanghai Masters match. Lorenzo Musetti loses to Felix Auger-Aliassime.

“I would like to sincerely apologize for what I said in frustration during my match...”

World number nine Lorenzo Musetti faced similar distractions in his Shanghai Masters match as he had in Beijing, with some fans coughing loudly during his serves. This incident occurred just days after Musetti apologized for his previous comments about Chinese fans' behavior. The Italian player's frustration was palpable as he pleaded with the chair umpire to intervene.

Musetti had sparked controversy at the China Open when he complained about Chinese fans constantly coughing during his match against French player Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard. He later issued a lengthy apology on Instagram, clarifying that his comments were directed at specific individuals and not the Chinese people as a whole. Despite this, Musetti faced a similar situation in Shanghai, where fans were heard coughing deliberately during his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Musetti ultimately lost the match 6-4, 6-2 to Auger-Aliassime. The Italian's frustration with the crowd's behavior was evident, but he acknowledged that his reaction was not justified.

“Come on, (it happens on) every point,” 23-year-old Musetti told umpire Adel Nour after dropping his serve to go 2-5 down.

“I understand a few times ... I made a mistake, OK, but this is not possible every point. It's too much. Say something.”

Lorenzo Musetti lost his match against Felix Auger-Aliassime with a score of 6-4, 6-2. The Italian player's frustration with the crowd's coughing was evident during the match.

Quarters here he comes 📣

Felix Auger-Aliassime claims his fifth top 10 win of 2025 with a victory over Lorenzo Musetti at the Shanghai Masters 👏 pic.twitter.com/lYG4VbRgCU

— Tennis Canada (@TennisCanada) October 8, 2025

Musetti took to Instagram to apologize for his behavior in Beijing, writing a lengthy post clarifying that his comments were directed at specific individuals who were coughing repeatedly and disturbing the play, not at the Chinese people. He stated, “I would like to sincerely apologize for what I said in frustration during my match.” Musetti acknowledged his mistake, saying it happened in a moment of stress and tension but emphasized that it's no excuse for his actions.

“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 wrote.

Taylor Townsend recently faced backlash from Chinese fans after making disparaging comments about the food served at the Billie Jean King Cup finals in Shenzhen. The American tennis player, currently ranked world No. 1 in doubles, posted videos on social media showcasing local dishes like bullfrogs and turtles, expressing her shock and rating the food a “2 out of 10.”

Townsend later apologized for her comments, saying she was “sorry from the bottom of my heart” and acknowledging the cultural differences she experienced during her stay. Despite her apology, many fans questioned her sincerity, pointing out that she didn't directly address the controversy. The incident highlights the challenges athletes face when navigating cultural differences while competing abroad.

Similarly, Italian tennis player Lorenzo Musetti faced criticism for his comments about Chinese fans coughing during a match. Both incidents demonstrate the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness for athletes competing globally.