# Lorenzo Musetti Fractures Right Hand Finger in Tokyo Practice Blow

**By Amelie Fontaine**  \nPublished September 30, 2026  \nUpdated September 30, 2026

> A practice court injury has halted Lorenzo Musetti's Asian swing ahead of his Tokyo opener. The 24-year-old Italian revealed a fractured right ring finger and is now racing to recover for the Shanghai Masters.

Lorenzo Musetti’s Asian swing suffered a sudden setback on the eve of his campaign at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open Tennis Championships. The 24-year-old Italian was forced to pull out of the ATP 500 hard-court tournament in Tokyo after fracturing the ring finger on his right hand during a pre-tournament practice session.

The injury derailed what was set to be an intriguing first-round clash against Britain’s Arthur Fery—a rematch of their recent contest at the US Open. Instead of stepping onto the Tokyo courts, Musetti spent the eve of his scheduled debut undergoing medical evaluations and sharing X-ray images of the fracture with fans on social media.

## Crucial Right-Hand Setback in Tokyo

For a right-handed player reliant on delicate touch and fluid ball-striking, a bone fracture in the dominant hand presents an immediate tactical and physical barrier. Musetti confirmed the setback on Instagram, expressing his disappointment at missing the Japanese leg of the tour while establishing a clear timeline for his recovery.

> "Unfortunately I won't be able to play in Tokyo this year due to a small fracture in the ring finger of my right hand that I suffered during practice. I am very disappointed, especially because I was looking forward to returning to play in front of my Japanese fans and experiencing the wonderful atmosphere of Tokyo once again. I will do everything possible over the coming days to recover and be ready to play in Shanghai."

The timing is particularly frustrating for the native of Carrara, who had travelled to Japan aiming to build momentum on the outdoor hard courts before the season's final ATP Masters 1000 events.

## The Timeline to Shanghai

With Tokyo off the calendar, Musetti's immediate priority shifts entirely to rehabilitation. The Shanghai Masters 1000, scheduled from October 10 to October 18, leaves the Italian with a tight window of under two weeks to clear swelling, manage bone healing, and resume racket handling.

Musetti's Asian Swing Schedule Adjustmentsthead>EventCategoryStatusNotesTokyo (Kinoshita Group Japan Open)ATP 500WithdrawnFractured right ring finger in practice; replaced in draw before match vs. A. FeryShanghai MastersATP Masters 1000Target ReturnScheduled Oct 10–18; readiness depends on right-hand recovery

### Key Matchup History Impact

Musetti's withdrawal deprives fans of a rapid rematch with Arthur Fery. The pair recently met at the US Open, making their scheduled Tokyo opener one of the most anticipated first-round fixtures in the bottom half of the draw.

## Evidence-Led Forecast: Shanghai Recovery & Return Feasibility

**Tactical Pattern & Physical Demands:** A fractured ring finger on the dominant hand heavily restricts racquet head acceleration, grip firmness, and shot control—particularly on forehands and heavy topspin serves. Even a minor non-displaced fracture requires strict immobilization during the initial healing phase to prevent aggravation upon impact.

**Decisive Factor for Shanghai:** Musetti’s entry at the Shanghai Masters (October 10–18) hinges on whether he can comfortably hold a racket without protective taping interfering with his grip mechanics. Given the short 10-to-12-day turnaround from his September 30 announcement, any return in Shanghai will likely involve heavily modified practice schedules and high-density grip padding.

**Strongest Counter-Case:** If clinical re-examinations early next week reveal residual pain or risk of secondary damage upon high-velocity ball contact, medical staff may advise extending his recovery period through the Chinese swing to safeguard the indoor autumn calendar.

**What Would Change the Read:** Clearance to resume light racket work within five days without pain would significantly increase the probability of Musetti competing in Shanghai, whereas extended splinting past October 5 would effectively rule him out.

## Sources

- [rainews.it](https://www.rainews.it/articoli/2026/09/tennis-lorenzo-musetti-nuovo-stop-frattura-anulare-salta-torneo-atp-tokyo-0bdbe2ea-22ac-4559-bb76-612608a4f4cb.html) — original
- [tg24.sky.it](https://tg24.sky.it/sport/2026/09/30/lorenzo-musetti-infortunio-atp-tokyo) — original
- [gazzetta.it](https://www.gazzetta.it/Tennis/ATP/30-09-2026/lorenzo-musetti-infortunato-salto-tokyo-per-un-dito-fratturato-obiettivo-shanghai.shtml) — original
- [lastampa.it](https://www.lastampa.it/sport/2026/09/30/news/tennis_musetti_frattura_anulare_salta_tokyo-15752939/) — original