Cocky French tennis ace Corentin Moutet has surprisingly fired a shot at world No 1 Novak Djokovic.
The 20-year-old qualified for the Paris Masters as a lucky loser when Richard Gasquet pulled out and he beat Dusan Lajovic 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 in his opening match to set up a showdown with Djokovic.
The pair have never met before and world No 97 Moutet claims he barely knows much about the 16-time Grand Slam winner’s style of play.
“In his game, I do not know too much. I have not seen him play 1000 times,” Moutet said.
“I do not watch tennis a lot. I’m going to watch more tonight to find out.
“What can be impressive? I do not want to be impressed and I am not really impressed by him or other players.”
Although not impressed by his legendary opponent, the Frenchman claims he will still have respect.
Moutet added: “I have a lot of respect for his career. He is number one for a long time.
“He won a lot of Grand Slams and managed to make his place among the best and he made his place.
“Today, he is the best player in the world, he is number one. In his game, I do not know what to say, he is very consistent.
“When he plays a tournament, he wins often. I will try to surpass that and be better than him!”
Moutet will take on Djokovic on Centre Court, 24 hours after he his opening-round win which was also on the main stage.
“In any case, I did not really expect to play on the central today,” Moutet said after beating Lajovic.
“I was surprised, super excited and happy to be able to play where I was already a spectator.
“Being there was really great today. Tomorrow, it will probably be on the same court, but with a lot of different things.
“More audience I guess. Not necessarily all the public for me, which is normal.
“There will be different conditions, different things that I will bring this match. He will try to do with tomorrow.”