"He clearly called the MTO on purpose to make Lorenzo lose the concentration": Musetti's coach slams Rune as tennis fans react negatively to comments

Following the final between Lorenzo Musetti and Holger Rune at the 2023 Queen's Club Championships. Musetti's coach had some choice words for Rune, which prompted a negative reaction from tennis fans worldwide.

Rune defeated Musetti in their quarterfinal encounter, but there was much drama during the match. The Danish star took a medical timeout citing problems with his wrist, a move that was branded as "insincere" by Simone Tartarini, Musetti's coach.

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"Rune is the classic "Mr. Cretinetti" (silly) and he clearly called the MTO on purpose to make Lorenzo lose the concentration,” Tartarini said, as per Tennis Fever.

Furthermore, Tartarini referred to Rune as arrogant, suggesting the World No.6's behavior was unnecessary.

"(Musetti) was very naive. He has to learn to move on in those moments,” he said. “I have to repeat myself; he is a Mr Cretinetti and very arrogant. Disappointed. Because we've known him for some time and Musetti often trained with him, having faced a parallel junior career. Now we understand what type he is.”

This led to several tennis fans coming to Rune's defense, criticizing Tartarini for his comments.

"This I only lost because my opponent to an MTO is so unserious," one fan said.

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"3 minute mto and your boy crumbles mentally. Sad excuse by the Musetti team," another fan opined.

"well if you’re gonna lose you concentration because of that maybe you’re in the wrong sport," said another fan.

"well maybe lorenzo needs to be mr silly to start being as successful as holgah idk what you want us to tell you," suggested another fan.