ROME — French tennis player Corentin Moutet found himself at the center of controversy during his second-round match against Britain's Jack Draper at the Italian Open, as the crowd turned against him for breaking what many consider an "unwritten rule" of tennis—not once, but twice.
The incident occurred during a tense moment in the match when Moutet, known for his unorthodox playing style and on-court antics, disrupted Draper's serve by raising his hand just as the Brit was about to strike the ball. The crowd, largely supporting Draper, immediately erupted in boos and jeers, with some fans shouting "Respect the game!" and "Let him play!"
The Unwritten Rules of Tennis
In tennis, certain behaviors are considered unsportsmanlike, even if they aren’t explicitly written in the rulebook. Among these unwritten rules is the expectation that players should not disrupt their opponent’s serve by raising their hand or moving excessively just as the ball is about to be struck. Moutet violated this twice in quick succession, leading to the crowd’s hostile reaction.
Tennis analyst and former player Mark Petchey weighed in on the incident, stating, "What Moutet did was borderline gamesmanship. It’s one thing to take your time between points, but stopping your opponent mid-serve is a step too far for most fans."
The Crowd’s Reaction
The Italian Open crowd, known for its passionate and sometimes rowdy behavior, made their displeasure clear. Boos echoed around the Foro Italico as Moutet attempted to regain his focus. The Frenchman, however, seemed unfazed, even smirking at one point, which only fueled the crowd’s anger.
Draper, who eventually won the match in straight sets (6-3, 6-4), later admitted that the situation was unusual. "I’ve never seen a crowd react like that over something like this," he said in his post-match interview. "But I just tried to stay focused and not let it affect me."
Key Moments of the Match
The tension peaked in the second set when Moutet:
- Deliberately delayed his return to the baseline after a changeover, forcing Draper to wait.
- Engaged in a heated exchange with the chair umpire over a line call, further irritating the crowd.
- Mocked the boos by cupping his ear after winning a point, a move that backfired spectacularly.
Despite the drama, Draper maintained his composure, closing out the match with a dominant serve. The British player, who has been rising steadily in the rankings, credited his mental toughness for the victory. "I knew I had to block out the noise and just play my game," he said.
Moutet’s Reputation Precedes Him
This isn’t the first time Moutet has courted controversy. The 24-year-old has a history of on-court antics, including:
- Excessive grunting during rallies, which opponents have called distracting.
- Frequent disputes with umpires over minor rulings.
- Using underarm serves in high-pressure moments, a tactic some consider disrespectful.
Former world No. 1 Andy Roddick once criticized Moutet’s behavior, saying, "There’s a fine line between being a competitor and being a nuisance. Moutet crosses it too often."
The Aftermath
After the match, Moutet downplayed the incident, telling reporters, "I don’t care about the boos. Tennis is a mental game, and if the crowd wants to be part of it, that’s their problem." His comments did little to endear him to fans, many of whom took to social media to express their disapproval.
Meanwhile, Draper advanced to the next round, where he faced a tough opponent in world No. 8 Andrey Rublev. The young Brit acknowledged the support from the Italian crowd, saying, "It’s always nice to have the fans on your side. It gives you an extra boost."
Conclusion
The incident at the Italian Open highlights the delicate balance between gamesmanship and sportsmanship in tennis. While players are entitled to use every legal tactic to gain an advantage, crossing into unsportsmanlike territory can alienate fans and opponents alike. For Moutet, the boos were a stark reminder that the unwritten rules of tennis still matter—especially in front of a passionate crowd.
As for Draper, the match served as another stepping stone in his promising career. His ability to stay composed under pressure bodes well for his future on the ATP Tour. One thing is certain: the Italian Open crowd won’t forget this match anytime soon.