Home/Tennis

The ATP Challenger event in Orleans, France, is currently underway. Many renowned players are participating in this event. The tournament boasts a strong field that has the likes of Richard Gasquet and Jack Sock. Further, the local star, Corentin Moutet, is the top seed in the tournament.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

However, he exited the tournament following a disappointing loss against Adrian Andreev of Bulgaria at the ATP Challenger tournament in Orleans. Following their match, an unfortunate incident occurred.

Corentin Moutet and Adrian Andreev get into an ugly fight

As the two players proceeded towards the net to shake hands with each other, they exchanged some words while holding each other’s hands for quite some time. Subsequently, the Bulgarian bumped into Moutet at the net as tensions between the two flared up.

As Andreev shouted at him, the Frenchman shoved him. The former exchanged words with Moutet as he tried to get the top seed away from him.

Further, the chair umpire intervened and prevented the fight from escalating.

Moutet, who is known for his on-court antics, was also embroiled in a controversy at this year’s US Open. During his fourth-round loss against Casper Ruud at the tournament, Moutet performed 10 pushups midway in the match. Subsequently, he received a point penalty for time violation.

DIVE DEEPER: ‘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

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Talking about Moutet’s behavior, tennis legend, Mats Wilander said, “I agree with Alex that his attitude was not good for him. In terms of just tennis, he’s very talented, he plays very smart out there. But to see him from the beginning, not really believing that he has a chance to win.” 

Andreev upsets Moutet at ATP Challenger in Orleans

The Bulgarian star knocked out the top seed and local favorite, Moutet, in a marathon three-set match. Moutet began the match brightly and took the opening set 6-2. However, Andreev came back strongly to clinch the second set in the tiebreaker 7-6(3) to level the match.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

WATCH THE STORY: Alexis Ohanian once shocked his wife, Serena Williams with a sassy reply to her tennis offer

The deciding set was keenly contested and went the distance. Andreev held his nerves to win the third set tiebreaker 7-6(2) to enter the quarterfinals. In the last eight, he will take on Norbert Gombos of Slovakia. The latter had earlier defeated Arthur Fils of France to enter the quarterfinals.