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via Imago

via Imago

It’s time for payback! Corentin Moutet has already set the tone for his exciting first-round clash against a familiar foe from Chile, Nicolas Jarry at the 2024 French Open. Now it’s in the hands of those in the stands to turn Court Simonne-Mathieu into a ‘Hell’ for the Chilean opponent. The clash is set for just a few hours from now, reminding fans of the last time they met in the QF of Chile Open.

The Chileans sprang onto the lone warrior from France, shouting a series of boos and jeers after his victory over Jarry. Will the Parisian crowd give a spicy welcome to the Chilean this time around?

Revenge against Jarry at Roland Garros. I remember well the welcome they gave me at their home (Chile Open). I hope you guys are eager to show him that this time we are locals. Be ready and be loud. This is Paris,” was Corentin Moutet’s reaction after seeing the draw for the first round of the Roland Garros.

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It’s now needless to say the fire is still burning bright in his eyes. In Santiago, the match witnessed a lot of spice starting from Moutet’s underarm serves to his Novak Djokovic-like aggressive celebration by extending both of his arms from his chest to the stands.

He was even seen bowing with the palms of his hands together. Fans were spotted dismissing the Frenchman with loud whistles, and they even made it difficult for him to speak during the on-court interview. A fully chaotic atmosphere! During an interview with CLAY, Moutet remained unapologetic and exposed Jarry’s taunt after the match.

Moutet revealed, “He said ‘pathetic’, I don’t know why. I behaved well.” The Frenchman went on to add, “There were so many people against me, booing, making noise when I was serving. So I think I didn’t do anything ‘pathetic’. I think I survived well, I played good. You should ask him why he said that. We are not exactly best friends on tour, actually, I don’t know him well.

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Corentin Moutet’s coach, Petar Popovic, was one of those who had witnessed these incidents from a closer distance. He spoke about those moments in an interview and revealed the ugly scenario inside the stadium in Santiago.

“The fans were behaving like a bunch of animals” – Corentin Moutet’s coach explaining that incident from Santiago

After the match, the 25-year-old French tennis star said, “It’s unfortunate because there was not a pleasant atmosphere. I like playing in Chile: in the qualy and in all my matches they supported me because I opened my heart, I gave a lot to the people and shared with them. Sport is made for that. My coach and my family are here, I know what I did right or wrong and today I did everything right

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Moutet’s coach later went on to add that the fans even swore at Corentin Moutet between points and they booed or whistled as he was about to serve. During a conversation with Tennis Majors, Popovic revealed, “The fans (in Santiago) were behaving like a bunch of animals, the worst possible behavior you can get at a tennis match. It was like football, they insulted Corentin non-stop.

He divulged how some of the fans even threatened Corentin Moutet when he went to the toilet after the first set. Moutet won his last match by a 7-6(5),7-6(3) margin and currently their H2H scoreline is at 3-1. Who do you think will have the last laugh this time around in Paris?