'Comical': Frances Tiafoe in shock after Lorenzo Musetti escapes punishment during French Open quarterfinal

America’s Frances Tiafoe was left shocked after seeing Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti getting away despite making a gross error during their French Open quarterfinal. The second Grand Slam of the year is moving towards conclusion as the semifinals lineup has now started to take shape.

One of the players who managed to cement a spot in the last-four of the second Grand Slam of the year is Musetti, who overcame the challenge of Tiafoe in the last-eight clash in four sets with a score of 6-2, 4-6, 7-5, 6-2. However, during the contest, the 23-year-old was extremely lucky to get away despite making a gross error.

Musetti incidentally hit the line judge with a ball. The offence can have serious consequences, as the player could have been disqualified, which has happened in the past with other players as well. Tiafoe was asked about the incident after the match, where the American tennis player admitted that he was shocked to see that Musetti got away with it and that no action was taken against the player. “Yeah, I mean, obviously he did that and nothing happened,” he said. “I think that's comical, but it is what it is. Nothing happened, so there's nothing really to talk about. Obviously it's not consistent, so it is what it is.”

On the other hand, Musetti admitted that he was sort of lucky to get away with the offence. The 23-year-old also reiterated that the whole incident was ‘unintentional’ and stated that he instantly apologised as well. “It was right to have a warning,” he said. “But I think the umpire saw that there was no intention about that, and that's why probably just, you know, let me continue my game, so it is what it is. Yeah, honestly it was really unlucky coincidence. Yeah, I was a little bit, honestly, scared, because I really didn't want to harm nobody, of course. So, I immediately went to the line umpire, and I of course said, Sorry, I apologize to everyone.”

Musetti, who cemented a spot in the semifinal at Roland Garros for the first time in his career, will now face the defending champion, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz. The 22-year-old secured his spot in the last-four clash after beating America’s Tommy Paul in the quarterfinals in straight sets with a score of 6-0, 6-1, 6-4. It will be the eighth meeting between the two players. In the previous seven meetings, Alcaraz had a clear edge as he came out on top on seven occasions.