Lorenzo Musetti Addresses Line Judge Controversy During Roland Garros Quarterfinal
Lorenzo Musetti has addressed the incident that nearly led to his disqualification from the Roland-Garros quarter-final. During his match against Frances Tiafoe, he accidentally kicked a ball that struck a line judge. The moment sparked controversy, as many questioned whether he should have been defaulted.
The Italian, now a semi-finalist at the French Open, admitted after the match that he was frightened about the possibility of being thrown out. Tiafoe also weighed in, calling the lack of a harsher penalty “comical,” adding to the debate over the decision. Musetti said in his Roland Garros press conference:
Yeah… Honestly it was a really unlucky coincidence. I was honestly scared because I really didn’t want to harm anybody. So I immediately went to the line umpire and I of course said sorry. I apologize to everyone. It was right to have a warning… but I think the umpire saw that there was no intention about that. That’s why probably just let me continue my game.
The incident occurred when Musetti lost a point and was trailing 3-5 in the second set. While facing away from the court, he dropped a ball and kicked it in frustration, unintentionally hitting the line judge in the chest. He quickly apologized, walking over and raising his racket in a show of remorse.