Corentin Moutet has addressed the hostile reception he received from the Australian Open crowd after using an underarm serve on match point against Australian Tristan Schoolkate. The Frenchman, seeded 32nd, secured a 6-4 7-6(1) 6-3 victory on day one, but fans in Kia Arena booed as he walked to the net.
Moutet explained his decision was instinctive. 'No thinking,' he said. 'That's what I'm trying to do on the court... think less. I did it because I thought it would win the point, which it did. No disrespect or anything. I thought it was the better option at this moment.'
The 26-year-old also addressed his physical condition after calling the physio for a leg issue while leading by two sets and a break. He denied the underarm serve was related to cramping. 'We all have some kind of pain every day. I was trying to handle it in the best way possible. I'm proud of myself,' he added.
Moutet, known for his divisive on-court antics, previously hit a tweener while serving to stay in a Davis Cup match in November, later apologising after France lost. However, he insists he is not trying to be an entertainer. 'I'm just myself. If I can entertain people, that's even better, but my first priority is to perform and be a great tennis player,' he said.
