Lorenzo Musetti has apologized for saying that \u201cthese f\u2014ing Chinese\u201d are \u201calways coughing\u201d during his China Open match against Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in Beijing.<\/p>\n
The Italian had complained to umpire Mohamed Lahyani about a group of fans of unknown nationality that coughed between Musetti\u2019s first and second serves on several occasions. After missing a forehand in the net during the second-set tiebreak, Musetti gestured toward the upper levels of the stands and said, \u201cTossiscono sempre sti cazzo di cinesi. Tossiscono sempre, cazzo. Tossiscono ogni tre secondi,\u201d which translates to \u201cThey are always coughing, these f\u2014ing Chinese. They are always coughing, for f\u2014\u2018s sake. They cough every three seconds.\u201d<\/p>\n
Musetti, who won the match against France\u2019s Mpetshi Perricard 7-6(3), 6-7(4), 6-4, later said that he wanted to \u201csincerely apologize,\u201d adding that his comments \u201cwere never in any way meant for the Chinese people\u201d:<\/p>\n
\u201cMy 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. It happened in a moment of stress and tension in the second tiebreak, but still, this is no excuse at all,\u201d Musetti wrote in an apology published to social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cI realize that the way I expressed myself was wrong and inappropriate, and it hurt many Chinese fans\u2019 feelings. I deeply regret it and feel very remorseful.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have always admired the Chinese people and I truly appreciate playing in your country. I have been coming back to China since 2018 and I always feel very welcome here. I am grateful for the incredible support I constantly receive and for the many fans I have in China.\u201d<\/p>\n