Lorenzo Musetti’s fourth-round match at the Shanghai Masters ended in straight sets, with the Italian falling 6-4, 6-2 to Canada’s Félix Auger-Aliassime. But beyond the scoreline, the match was marked by tension between Musetti and the crowd, as repeated coughing during his service motion sparked a heated exchange with the umpire.
Complaints resurface after previous controversy
Musetti, who had already faced criticism for comments made in a previous match about the local crowd, appeared to believe the interruptions were intentional. During a changeover, he turned to the chair umpire and said: “I know I made a mistake and I said something wrong, ma per favore dica qualcosa a loro”. The remark referred to an earlier incident in which Musetti had reportedly insulted spectators, leading to backlash.
Auger-Aliassime stays focused and clinical
While Musetti struggled to maintain composure, Auger-Aliassime delivered a composed and efficient performance. The Canadian fired 24 winners, including seven aces, and saved all three break points he faced. His dominance at the net and on serve allowed him to wrap up the match in under 90 minutes, securing his place in the quarterfinals.
A growing rivalry and shifting momentum
This win levels the head-to-head record between the two players at 4-4, with Auger-Aliassime avenging losses from the Paris Olympics and Miami earlier in the season. The result also boosts his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin, narrowing the points gap between him and Musetti.
As for Musetti, the focus now shifts to regrouping and managing the pressure—both from opponents and the crowd—as the season enters its final stretch.
Lorenzo Musetti in 2025
LLWLWWWLLW Currently ranked no.9, Musetti played his last match on the 8th of October when he surrendered to world no.13 Felix Auger-Aliassime 6-4 6-2 in the 4th round in Shanghai (draw).
Currently, during this season Musetti achieved a composed 37-16 record. Lorenzo Musetti’s best achievement of this season was reaching the final in Monte Carlo and Chengdu.
ATP Shanghai - Felix Auger-Aliassime's projected path
Auger-Aliassime in Shanghai, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently ranked no.13, Auger-Aliassime owns a 37-20 win-loss record in 2025. The Canadian is competing in Shanghai where he beat the world no.74 Alejandro Tabilo 6-3 6-3, the world no.81 Jesper De Jong 6-4 7-5 and the world no.9 Lorenzo Musetti 6-4 6-2.
Felix Auger-Aliassime will face the world no.54 Arthur Rinderknech in the quarter. Their record is 2-0 for Auger-Aliassime.
Felix has won 2 titles in 2025 in Adelaide and Montpellier. The Canadian reached the final in Dubai (Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships).
Auger-Aliassime won 7 titles in his career: 1 on hard courts and 6 on indoor courts. (See the list of his titles)
Lorenzo Musetti and Felix Auger-Aliassime faced off 8 times. Their actual record is 4-4.
