Paris – Rayo has affected the world of tennis: Lorenzo Musetti, one of the most promising talents of the new Italian generation, officially received the heaviest penalty ever inflicted in the history of Roland Garros. The reason? A gesture defined as “anti -system” by the young tennis player against a horrible during a very tense match.
The offensive episode took place during the third round party, in an already emotionally complicated situation. Musetti, visibly frustrated by a series of unchanged errors and by some controversial calls, would have had a disproportionate reaction when throwing a ball in the direction of a horrible. Although the coup did not cause injuries, the gesture was considered immediately “unacceptable” by the referees and subsequently examined with great severity by the Disciplinary Committee of the tournament.
The horrible involved, a 15 -year -old boy named Théo, formalized a complaint to the ITF (International Tennis Federation), unleashing a chain reaction never seen before in professional tennis.
Jean-Baptiste Moreou, CEO of Roland Garros, spoke at the press conference with a decisive tone:
“In our tournament we do not promote and do not tolerate the anti -port attitudes in any way. Respect for each figure in the field, from the judge to the horrible, is sacred. It does not matter how talent it has, if you do not respect these values, there is no place for you.”
And he added:
“We wanted to give a strong signal. Tennis is not just the technique: it is also ethical, respect and control.”
Musetti reaction: “I apologize, but …”
A few hours later, the reaction of the person in question also arrived. Musetti convened an extraordinary press conference, visibly tried and said:
“It was not my intention hurting anyone. It was an instinctive and silly gesture, which I really regret. I have already written the child to apologize. I hope that the world of tennis does not judge me only for this.”
However, what left everyone without words was their second statement, more sincere and less filtered:
“If you want to leave, do it. But don’t forget how much love I’ve always put in this sport.”
A phrase that broke public opinion in two: on the one hand, those who accuse him of looking for justifications, on the other, who defends him when he was a child overwhelmed by pressure.
The Disciplinary Committee of Roland Garros has decided to inflict a record economic sanction in Musetti (there is talk of more than 250,000 euros) and the immediate suspension of the current tournament. But it does not end here: an extraordinary procedure has also begun that could lead toPermanent disqualificationFrom all ITF and ATP tournaments to the date that will be established.
A very strong hypothesis that, if confirmed, would run the risk of compromising the career of the young Italian tennis player.
The news caused a wave of reactions. Novak Djokovic, asked at a press conference, said:
“Musetti is an incredible talent. But we must all learn to handle emotions. Responsibility is part of our work.”
On the contrary, Matteo Berrettini has been closer to his friend:
“I know Lorenzo since we were children. He is impulsive, yes, but he has a golden heart. I hope they give him a second chance.”
Rafael Nadal, although he is not directly involved in the tournament this year, also published a brief comment through social networks:
“Serious error. But all, and I say that everyone deserves a way to redeem us.”
Musetti’s fate is now in the hands of the ITF Ethics Commission. The next few days will be crucial. Meanwhile, your legal team is preparing an appeal, waiting at least to obtain a reduction in disqualification.
Meanwhile, Théo, the young Raccattopalle, broke the silence in a brief interview:
“I don’t have grudges. But I was afraid. It is right that there is a reaction.”
An event that will surely mark the recent history of tennis and perhaps also the future of one of its most discussed talents.
