You're being a bit unfair
As far as I can see (that's not saying much), what tipped the balance in Calderano's favour are services and variation. And this is also what puts off Chinese players' games against European players most consistently. See Waldner in his time, Schlager at WTTC 2003, Samsonov even late in his career against quite a few top CNT, etc.The level of table tennis on the international stage outside of China has improved lately. A few players are not so far with their footwork and power that they can't hold their ground against FZD for at least a couple of exchanges (they still lose the rally on average): Calderano, Kristian Karlsson, Groth, Ovtcharov, Pitchford recently, Youngsik, Gauzy, Harimoto in his own way and many more. At times they have found patterns that worked well for them (for instance: Karlsson vs FZD recently, FZD had trouble with a shovel serve to the middle or forehand... He'd open with a banana flick to the middle, Karlsson would counter/kill with his BH to FZD's wide forehand; or Groth vs FZD at Qatar Open yesterday: Groth losing the match at 9-7 up in the third game -_- but he was doing good until this point).
The thing is, CNT players are used to the tough games and pressure; so they'll buckle up, adjust their game (good coaching), play that little bit more steady than the opponent and win. However, LGY could not get into the game at all. He couldn't receive Calderano's serves well for most of the match, so he didn't get into the rally that often and whenever he did he'd meet more opposition than expected. He couldn't find his rhythm with Calderano's touch FH at the net and BH variation (placement, pace and spin). I think LGY would much rather face an all out aggressive player like FZD and counter the hell out of him.
The opposition on the international stage is probably higher than a couple of years ago, so it's unfair to compare LGY's performance to young ML's or ZJK's. ML had to go through quite a few losses before peaking too, and ZJK... wait where is ZJK? In a gala dinner?
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