Beijing, October 11, 2025– A storm broke out in the world of tennis after the fiery declarations ofLorenzo Musetti, who openly criticized the behavior of the Chinese crowd during his match againstHappy Auger-aliassime. The Italian tennis player, visibly frustrated after the defeat, denounced an episode that is already causing discussion among fans and world tennis institutions.

During the post-match press conference, Musetti said he felt deliberately disturbed by some spectators present in the stands.

“There was a group that coughed every time I served at key moments. I don’t think it’s a coincidence. It seemed like intentional behavior to distract me,” said the young Tuscan talent.

According to the player, the situation would have been reminiscent of a similar episode that occurred last year atChina Open, when several Western tennis players had complained of attitudes considered disrespectful or even racist by some of the public.

Musetti claimed to have asked for the referee’s intervention several times, urging a check on the spectators’ conduct. However, the referee did not take any action.

“I asked to stop the game or at least to recall the public, but nothing was done. It is unacceptable that in a tournament of this level certain things are ignored,” he added.

His words quickly went around the web, generating hundreds of comments between those who defend him and those who accuse him of having made excuses for the defeat.

A few hours later,Jannik Sinner, Musetti’s compatriot and friend, expressed solidarity with his colleague, helping to make the case even more viral.

“I respect the culture and the local public,” Sinner said, “but deliberately disturbing a player is unacceptable. I don’t want to think badly, but these incidents happen too often. If we don’t intervene, reforms will be needed.”

Sinner’s words pushed theATPto intervene officially, announcing an internal investigation to verify the facts and evaluate possible disciplinary or regulatory measures to prevent similar episodes in the future.

On social networks, the name ofMusettiit quickly rose in trend. Users are divided between those who support the players’ right to a respectful environment and those who believe that tennis should be able to coexist with a more “participatory” audience.

Many sports commentators have highlighted how cultural tension and the perception of “subtle racism” in Asian tennis are issues to be addressed seriously. Others, however, defend the passion of the Chinese public, underlining that similar behavior also happens in other countries.

Lorenzo Musetti, once again, finds himself at the center of attention not only for his talent on the pitch but also for his frankness off the pitch. The Beijing episode could open a new chapter in the debate oninternational sports cultureand southmutual respect between athletes and fans.
One thing is certain: the case does not end here.