‘I Was Sleeping With His Tank Top’ – Corentin Moutet Recalls His Childhood Admiration for Rafael Nadal Before His First Game Against the Legend in French Open 2022

French tennis star Corentin Moutet has done outstandingly well to reach the second round of the ongoing French Open 2022. In a huge upset, the 23-year-old got the better of three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka. In an enthralling encounter against the two-time French Open finalist, Moutet won in four sets.

Also, this victory has confirmed his ticket for a 2nd round match against his childhood idol Rafael Nadal. It will be exciting to see how he fares against the man he drew inspiration from, but this definitely will be a dream game for the Frenchman. After winning the first-round game against Wawrinka, the French tennis star spoke about the influence 21-time Grand Slam winner had on him as a kid.

Corentin Moutet on idolizing Rafael Nadal

Corentin Moutet, on many occasions, has accepted that he was a big Rafa fan growing up. Also, he never shies away from showing his admiration for the former world number 1. Recently in an interview, before his much-awaited game against his idol, the 23-year-old revealed that he used to wear Nadal’s Roland Garros tank top while going to sleep. Also, he would even try to imitate his serves.

” I was sleeping with his tank top of RG. I was a kid, not like I was 14 or 15. I don’t even remember how old I was. I was imitating his serve.” revealed Moutet.

However, the 23-year-old will have to leave his admiration for Nadal when he will finally play his dream game against his favorite. Although, the Frenchman further said that as a kid growing up, we all have idols as it is essential for our identity among people. “When you’re a kid you need to have idols to identify to ppl.” he added.

The 23-year-old might have just hinted that he has grown up and created an identity of his own.

Read more: “He’s Going to Pay for It” – Stefanos Tsitsipas Reflects on Corentin Moutet Calling His Father ‘Stupid’

Certainly, he won’t let his admiration affect his game against the 35-year-old legend.

Nadal Makes a strong start at French Open 2022

In his first-round match against Australia’s Jordan Thompson, Nadal made a powerful statement by winning the game  6-2, 6-2, 6-2. The Spaniard’s participation in the ongoing Roland Garros was doubtful as his old foot injury resurfaced.

However, when the 21-time Grand Slam winner confirmed that he will be at Roland Garros, many believed that he might still not be fully fit to be at his best in the matches.

Watch this story: Epic Rafael Nadal Versus Novak Djokovic Encounters at the French Open

In typical Nadal style, the 35-year-old proved everyone wrong in his very first match. The king of clay has begun his campaign with a roaring win and he will look forward to lifting the Musketeers’ cup for an unprecedented 14th time.