Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti booked a place in the French Open semifinal for the first time after securing a hard-fought win over the USA’s Frances Tiafoe. But more than his commanding performance, Musetti made headlines for kicking a tennis ball that inadvertently hit a linesperson during the match.
The Italian later issued a clarification in the aftermath of the mishap, describing it as an ‘unlucky coincidence’ and offering an apology to everyone.
Lorenzo Musetti Admitted Being ‘Scared’ Following French Open QF Mishap
Tiafoe tested Musetti in the second set, but the latter looked in control for most of the match. The 23-year-old stepped up, winning eight of the last 10 games to seal a 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 win.
However, there came a moment when the Italian was at risk of disqualification, but he avoided it with just a warning from the chair umpire. Musetti, down 3-5 in the second set after losing a point on serve, was receiving balls from a ball kid when he dropped one behind the baseline. Rather than picking it up, he swung his left foot and kicked it on the half-volley, unintentionally striking a line judge in the chest.
Upon realizing the debacle, the 23-year-old moved towards her and raised his racket in apology. Musetti was consequently handed a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct by the chair umpire, though no further penalty was imposed.
Check out the clip shared below:
Lorenzo Musetti received a warning for unsportsmanlike conduct after this incident 😳 #RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/ted26XaBUv
— TNT Sports (@tntsports) June 3, 2025
While addressing the incident during his post-match press conference, the 23-year-old said that he feared getting into trouble, as he never intended to harm the lineswoman.
“Yeah… Honestly, it was a really unlucky coincidence. I was a little bit honestly scared because I really didn’t want to harm nobody ofcourse. 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,” he said.
Lorenzo Musetti To Face Carlos Alcaraz in the French Open Semifinal
Though Tuesday’s mishap on Court Philippe-Chatrier shook Musetti, he will aim to put it behind him as he prepares for his semifinal clash against defending champion Carlos Alcaraz.
Musetti has enjoyed an impressive clay-court season, finishing runner-up at the Monte Carlo Masters and reaching the semifinals at both the Masters 1000 events in Madrid and Rome. Boasting a 19-3 record on clay in 2025, the World No. 7 will carry the momentum into the semifinal encounter on Friday, Jun. 6.
However, overcoming Alcaraz won’t be easy. The Spaniard arrived at the French Open fresh off victories at the Monte Carlo Masters and Italian Open, along with a runner-up finish at the ATP 500 event in Barcelona. Not only does the defending champion hold a 5-1 head-to-head lead over Musetti, but he also boasts an outstanding 32-2 clay-court record since last May.
The 22-year-old who easily dispatched Tommy Paul 6-0, 6-1, 6-4 in the quarterfinals is eyeing his fifth Grand Slam title in Paris. Meanwhile, Musetti has yet to secure one.
