Corentin Moutet is one of those showman that make the circuit entertaining. Sometimes, unfortunately, the fine line between fun and carelessness/lack of respect has been crossed by the Frenchman, generating an image of the “bad boy” of the circuit that remains, for many, as the first impression they get of he. Nothing better than great performances, competitiveness and high-level results to change appearances and show the world that there is a Moutet capable of doing a lot of damage on a tennis court.
His journey through Roland Garros 2024 ended today, before a Jannik Sinner who ended up presenting arguments that were too convincing. Anyone who watched the match, however, was aware of the Italian’s difficulties in deciphering the tennis of the always unpredictable Moutet, who for a set and several games left the last Australian Open champion completely confused. He did it based on drop shots, changes of pace and high balls, a plan that could not work in five rounds, but that highlighted more things than his talent. At a press conference, Corentin opened his mouth and could not hide his happinessnot only for adding a new second week of Grand Slam… but for change the image that the public has of him.
– The most positive thing about his journey in Paris, through a heartfelt reflection
“There are many things that I take home from this experience. I already want to start remembering everything, in fact. I cannot be satisfied with this because it is the round of 16, for great players it is almost a routine to reach this round, no I should only be happy with this. However, I have defeated great players, I have played great matches, I have endured physically I have had a great level of concentration: I have not received any warning in four matches, something that does not happen very often (. laughter).
There are many good things to draw from it. I am very happy to have changed my image. I don’t know if I’ve changed it, but maybe something has. The image that people have of me is somewhat complicated, unfortunately they only know us on the track. I can assure you that, like the rest of the players, I work very hard. The adventure we travel is beautiful, but very complicated.
I’m happy. I have maintained a very positive attitude, I have received a lot of love from the public this week, I have discovered a different audience. I have discovered them in another format. “It will be very positive for what is to come.”
– His balance of the match against Sinner, especially after winning the first set
“Everything became more difficult after the first set. It’s hard to explain. It made me a little more passive. I was very aggressive at the beginning of the set: as soon as I could attack, I did, and that requires a lot of concentration and energy. I went into a somewhat unknown territory: I didn’t know how I had to play, but I knew that he was very aggressive, that if I let him loose it would be very difficult for me. I wasn’t able to maintain that level enough to win the game. “He was a much more aggressive player.”
– Could it be said that it was more difficult to generate the same atmosphere at Chatrier compared to other smaller tracks, where the public is closer?
“We are in the round of 16. He is number two in the world, the public’s support is a little more diffuse. There are people from all over the world who pay a ticket to watch the tournament from this round onwards, the public was more balanced In some ways the atmosphere was less than in other games, but was it due to my opponent or the court? It’s hard to say.
In any case, regardless of whether people support me or are against me, I went out on the court to play my game, to try to win and achieve my goals. There is no more, I can’t say much more. I don’t want to say anything stupid because you’re going to write it. I think that’s what you all expect, but I won’t say anything else, no.”
– The consequences of reaching the second week in Paris
“I already know that my ranking has gone up a lot. I’m getting closer to the ranking I had before my last injury, that’s a great goal. It takes time, but I’m happy to get close to it again. It’s going to make my task easier. To the next tournaments, I will be able to play bigger events, and that helps me progress. I have played three great games, there are things I still have to improve on, and I am very motivated for the rest of the season. The season is very good. long, there are still two Grand Slams and many other tournaments. Things are looking good for me.
