Corentin Moutet advanced to the second round of the 2026 Australian Open with a straight-sets victory over local favorite Tristan Schoolkate, but drew boos from the Melbourne crowd after using an underarm serve on match point. The 32nd-seeded Frenchman, ranked world No. 34, overcame a hamstring issue to secure the 6-4, 7-6(1), 6-3 win. Moutet apologized on court, expressing respect for his opponent and the fans.
On Sunday at Melbourne's Centre Court, Corentin Moutet faced Australian wild card Tristan Schoolkate in the first round of the 2026 Australian Open. The match proved competitive, with Moutet taking the first two sets 6-4 and 7-6(7-1). In the third set, a hamstring problem prompted a medical timeout for the Frenchman, yet he rallied to win 6-3.
The decisive moment came on match point, when Moutet opted for an underarm serve. Schoolkate, surprised, returned the ball long, handing Moutet the victory. The home crowd responded with loud boos, unhappy with the tactic.
During his on-court interview, Moutet addressed the reaction promptly. "I’m very sorry, I didn’t want to act like this. I really respect my opponent, such a great player, and you guys coming was such a pleasure," he said. He attributed the choice to fatigue: "It’s my first match this year, the intensity, I was quite tired after two sets."
Moutet added, "I’m very happy that I made it through and thank you guys for being so respectful, it means a lot, and congrats to my opponent of course."
This incident echoes Moutet's history of crowd clashes. In November 2025 at the Davis Cup Finals, he attempted a risky tweener against Belgium's Raphael Collignon, leading to a loss and criticism. Earlier, at the 2024 Chile Open, he opened with an underarm serve against Nicolas Jarry, sparking jeers and a tense post-match atmosphere. There, he told the crowd, "Guys, one moment please. I’m not leaving here."
Reflecting in Melbourne, Moutet explained his approach: "I’m just myself. I’m trying to perform well, to be the best version of myself, to be a great tennis player. If I can entertain the people, that’s even better, but that’s not my first priority. My first priority is to perform and be a great tennis player."
Moutet, who entered the top 50 in late 2025 after an injury-free period, has appeared at the Australian Open seven times, with his best result a third-round exit in 2025. He still seeks his first ATP title. Next, he faces Michael Zheng in the second round.