Lorenzo Musetti gestured toward the crowd with an apology following his victory today against Mannarino in Beijing, a gesture that capped off a tense weekend for the Italian player.
The Incident That Sparked Backlash
During his previous match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, Musetti was visibly frustrated by persistent coughing from the crowd. In a moment of tension, he mimicked someone clearing their throat and was heard saying in Italian: “They cough every three seconds.” Local media accused him of also mouthing “damn Chinese”, a phrase that triggered widespread criticism,
Mixed Reactions from the Crowd
When Musetti stepped onto the court for his next match, some boos echoed through the stadium. Coughs were heard intermittently during play, and the post-match atmosphere was a blend of cheers and disapproval. Musetti signed “Sorry” to the camera and repeated his apology publicly.
A Guarded Exit
After the match, Musetti signed autographs for fans before leaving the venue, accompanied by approximately five security guards. His apology, both verbal and symbolic, marked an effort to mend relations with the local audience.
Public Statement
On Instagram, Musetti clarified his intent: “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.” He added: “I realise that the way I expressed myself was wrong and inappropriate, and it hurt many Chinese fans’ feelings.”
ATP Beijing - Lorenzo Musetti's projected path
Musetti in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently the world no.9, Lorenzo achieved an overall 35-14 win-loss record in 2025. Lorenzo is playing at the moment in Beijing where he beat the world no.36 Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 7-6(3) 6-7(4) 6-4
and the world no.60 Adrian Mannarino 6-3 6-3.Lorenzo Musetti will come up against the world no.52 Learner Tien in the quarter on Monday at 7:00 pm on LOTUS. In the past, they have never competed against each other so far in top competitions.
Lorenzo got to the final in Monte-Carlo (Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters) and in Chengdu (Chengdu Open).
He is also scheduled to play in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters) on the 1st of October and () on the 30th of December.
Adrian Mannarino in 2025
Ranked no.60, Mannarino played his last match on the 28th of September when he was defeated by world no.9 Lorenzo Musetti 6-3 6-3 in the 2nd round in Beijing (draw).
Until now, during this year Adrian has an overall 34-33 win-loss record. Adrian Mannarino’s most significant result of the present season was reaching the final in the Newport Challenger.
He is also scheduled to play in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters). The main draw will start on the 1st of October.
Lorenzo Musetti and Adrian Mannarino squared off 3 times. Their record is 2-1 for Musetti.