"I deserved it" - Lorenzo Musetti apologizes after being booed for contentious remarks aimed at Chinese fans in Beijing

Tennis star Lorenzo Musetti found himself in hot water at the 2025 China Open, as the Italian was met with disapproval by local fans following comments he made during his opening match at the ATP 500 tournament.

The fourth seed faced Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in his first match in Beijing, and defeated the big-server to advance to the round of 16. However, controversy arose during the tense encounter.

Musetti was challenged by the lower-ranked Mpetshi Perricard, as both men split the first two sets. Already on the brink of an upset, Musetti lost control of his emotions as the match approached it's climax.

The Italian claimed to have heard some fans coughing during his serve, which led to him lashing out. "Those fucking Chinese... They cough all the time!" said Musetti, to the shock of those within earshot.

Musetti would defeat his French opponent in three sets and advance to the round of 16. The Italian would make no mention of his comments in his post-match interview.

However, the issue would not be forgotten so easily, as criticism rained down on the World No.9 from social media. Things would escalate during Musetti's fourth round match against another Frenchman, Adrian Mannarino.

The Chinese fans booed Musetti during his encounter with the French veteran. Although the fourth seed would prevail in straight sets, he was quick to issue an apology on court immediately after the match.

"I obviously expected this kind of reaction from the fans," said the former World No.6. "I think, in a way, I deserved it, which is why I wanted to apologize personally over the microphone at the end of the match. I hope that my apologies, in addition to those on social media, will be appreciated."

The fans present seemed to accept his apology, as several still tood in line to get his autograph afterwards. However, Musetti's Beijing campain would come to an end in the quarterfinals, where he was forced to retire in the third set due to injury against American Leaner Tien.