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Journalism of Courage
The 23-year old Italian tennis player Lorenzo Musetti was visibly frustrated with the fans during his three-set win over Frenchman Giovanni Mpethshi Perricard in Beijing at the China Open. The reason was a few of them coughing in the stands.
The fourth seed mimicked a person clearing their throat and said in Italian: “They cough every three seconds.” Local media, that included the state-owned The Paper, accused him of also mouthing “damn Chinese”. Later
It went viral after his game on Friday, Italian tennis player apologised for his on-court outburst at people coughing. He apologised on Saturday through his Instagram post.
Dear Chinese fans, I would like to sincerely apologise for what I said in frustration yesterday during my match.
“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. It happened in a moment of stress and tension in the second tiebreak, but still, this is no excuse at all. I realise that the way I expressed myself was wrong and inappropriate, and it hurt many Chinese fans’ feelings. I deeply regret it and feel very remorseful.
“I 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.
“Once again, I am truly sorry. I respect you deeply, I feel at home here, and I value the warmth and kindness I have always received from you.”
Musetti next plays 37-year-old Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the last 16 of the China Open.
