“I know I made a mistake, and I said something wrong, but please say something to them.” Lorenzo Musetti felt completely helpless on Wednesday while trying to survive the test of Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime at the Shanghai Masters. More than his opponent’s domination on the court, off-court hindrance caused by local fans bothered the Italian ATP star – the boomerang effect of a misplaced statement in Beijing a few days back.

For the uninitiated, Musetti played Frenchman Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in R32 at the China Open last month. During that match, one member of the audience was repeatedly coughing during the Italian’s serves. Initially, he ignored it, but his emotions got the best of him. Musetti mocked the spectator with fake coughs and several expletives. Though he apologized later, the damage was already done. The local fans did not take too kindly to his gesture and went after him. In Shanghai, on Wednesday, some people in the crowd deliberately coughed, opened champagne bottles during his first and second serves while he was struggling against Felix Auger-Aliassime in R16. Ultimately, the Italian lost focus, resulting in an exit after losing to the Canadian.

In the aftermath of what transpired in the last few weeks in China, Musetti recently opened up honestly. “This month in China has not been easy, I have never felt at ease after what happened, even though I understand that this unfavorable climate I somewhat created for myself.” He mentioned that due to off court distractions, he couldn’t concentrate against Aliassime. “The nervousness comes from something I had inside, and it led me astray during the match” – as translated.

Previously, in his apology on Instagram, he tried to clarify that, “My words were directed only at a few individuals in the crowd who were coughing repeatedly and disturbing the play,” citing the match at the China Open. “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.”

Post his premature exit from Shanghai, Musetti was left devastated. This defeat against Aliassime hammered the last nail to his coffin of hopes of making it to the ATP Finals in Turin.

Lorenzo Musetti speaks about his saddening exit from Shanghai

Lorenzo Musetti is currently ranked No.9. However, he needs to enter the top 8 in order to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin. Sadly, he failed to capitalize on his chances in Shanghai. “I feel like I wasted a chance here in Shanghai,” he admitted following the loss.

Giving full credit to his Canadian rival, he added, “He (Felix) played really well and was impeccable with his serve, as well as making a few unforced errors. I had a few chances, but I didn’t manage the match in the best way.” Aliassime is ranked No.13 at the moment. He is also in the race to enter the top 8 for the ATP Finals. His quest at the Shanghai Masters continues.

The equation between the two has become quite interesting. In the Live Race to Turin, Musetti is sitting in the 8th spot. On the other hand, Felix is placed 10th. If Musetti had won the R16 encounter in Shanghai, he would have boosted his chances. But now, it is the Canadian who has reduced the gap with Musetti to just 530 points after besting him yesterday.

While he may have lost the opportunity in Shanghai, he still has one chance left. If Lorenzo Musetti performs well at the Paris Masters next week, there might be a ray of hope for him to appear in Turin. But can he really make it happen? Only time will tell.