Lorenzo Musetti responded to Alexander Zverev’s recent criticisms about the Italian Open’s conditions, specifically Zverev’s complaints about the quality of the tennis balls used in Rome. On May 16, 2025, Musetti bluntly remarked, “He does the same,” defending the tournament and suggesting Zverev’s own actions or complaints mirror those he criticized. While the exact context of Zverev’s remarks isn’t fully detailed, they likely centered on the balls being subpar, a recurring point of contention for players, as Zverev has previously lashed out about equipment issues in Rome. Musetti’s retort implies a level of hypocrisy, pointing out that Zverev engages in similar behavior, perhaps by critiquing conditions selectively or benefiting from them when it suits him.
This exchange highlights ongoing tensions in the tennis world over tournament conditions, with clay courts and ball quality often sparking debates. Musetti, a home favorite, stood up for the Italian Open, where he’s been performing well, reaching the fourth round. His response also reflects a broader sentiment among players who feel top stars like Zverev can unfairly influence perceptions of tournaments. X posts around the time echoed Musetti’s sentiment, with some fans calling Zverev’s complaints “whining” while praising Musetti’s sharp comeback. The Italian’s form on clay, combined with his defense of Rome, underscores his growing confidence, though he avoided escalating the spat further.[]
