Musetti Warned for Kicking Ball at Line Judge During French Open Quarterfinal Clash with Tiafoe
Lorenzo Musetti Narrowly Avoids Disqualification After Kicking Ball at Line Judge in French Open Thriller
Italian star Lorenzo Musetti escaped a default despite hitting a line judge with a ball during his tense French Open quarter-final clash against Frances Tiafoe.
Musetti expressed frustration after losing a game in the second set, accidentally striking the official.
The world No. 7, who was leading by a set but trailing in the second, impulsively kicked a ball that struck the line judge in the chest. Unlike Novak Djokovic’s 2020 US Open disqualification—where a similar incident led to his ejection—Musetti received only a warning. The calm reaction of the official, who shrugged off the impact, likely spared him harsher penalties.
Henman’s Perspective: A Stroke of Luck
Former British star Tim Henman, who was disqualified from Wimbledon in 1995 for hitting a ball girl, emphasized Musetti’s fortune. “By the letter of the law, that could’ve been a disqualification,” Henman noted on TNT Sports. “He’s lucky the umpire showed leniency.” Henman recalled his own default, humorously adding, “I bought the ball girl flowers afterward!”
The line judge’s calm demeanor contrasted with the infamous Djokovic incident, where the official fell to the ground.
Historic Run Continues
Despite the scare, Musetti rallied to defeat Tiafoe 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, advancing to his first Grand Slam semi-final. The 23-year-old, known for his clay-court prowess, now eyes a landmark victory at Roland Garros.
Key Moments
- Musetti’s frustration peaked during a critical second-set service game.
- The kicked ball struck the line judge squarely but caused no visible injury.
- Immediate apologies and the official’s composure led to a warning instead of disqualification.
Musetti’s composure on court helped him secure a career-best Grand Slam result.
Lessons from the Past
Djokovic’s 2020 default and Henman’s 1995 exit highlight the fine line players tread. Musetti’s restraint in apology and the judge’s response proved pivotal, allowing him to continue his historic Roland Garros campaign.
As the clay season climaxes, all eyes remain on Musetti—both for his brilliance and his brush with controversy.
