Importance Score: 65 / 100 🔴
The Madrid Open witnessed a dramatic turn of events as Corentin Moutet abruptly retired during his opening round match following a point penalty. The Frenchman’s exit, triggered by a racket smashing incident and subsequent code violation, handed his countryman Harold Mayot an unexpected victory. This incident adds another chapter to Moutet’s already colorful career, known for its on-court controversies and emotional outbursts.
Moutet’s Madrid Meltdown: A Detailed Account
Sudden Retirement After Penalty
Moutet’s match concluded prematurely after he received a point penalty. Frustrated after a point went against him in the second set, he reacted by demolishing his racket, leading to the penalty. In protest, he refused to continue, approaching the net to shake hands with both the chair umpire and his opponent, signaling his withdrawal.
Altercation with Spectators
Earlier in the set, Moutet engaged in a verbal exchange with spectators, even venturing into the stands and instructing them to “leave the stadium.” This behavior was met with jeers and whistles from the crowd as they realized he was forfeiting the match.
- Moutet argued with fans during the match.
- He instructed them to leave the stadium.
- Spectators booed and whistled in response to his actions.
Mayot Advances to Next Round
Harold Mayot secured the victory with a 6-3, 4-2 (ret.) score, marking his first triumph at the Masters 1000 level. This win propels him into the next round, capitalizing on the unexpected circumstances.
Moutet’s History of On-Court Incidents
Corentin Moutet, currently ranked No. 82 in the world, has a reputation for volatile behavior on the court. His career is punctuated by several noteworthy incidents:
- Last month, an umpire intervened during a heated argument with Alexander Bublik at the conclusion of a Challenger match.
- He was penalized at the Miami Open for delaying the match while demanding the removal of a spectator.
- Three years ago, he was defaulted from a match in Adelaide.
Madrid Open Drama Unfolds
The match in Madrid, against fellow Frenchman Harold Mayot, who qualified for the main draw, continued the trend of dramatic encounters.
Frustration and Ranting
After losing the first set, Moutet began expressing his frustration in the second set, seemingly taking issue with certain individuals in the crowd. At 2-2, he directed his complaints towards chair umpire Mohamed Lahyani.
Underarm Serve and Crowd Interaction
Moutet’s frustration culminated in an underarm serve, leading to a break in his serve. He then appeared to enter the crowd, disappearing behind the stands. During the changeover, his argument with Lahyani persisted.
Continued Dispute and Warning
Despite the umpire calling time, Moutet continued his discussion. He eventually returned to the baseline, but continued to voice his displeasure with spectators.
“Leave if you’re not happy. Leave the stadium, there is plenty courts,” Moutet exclaimed before Lahyani intervened, urging the crowd to maintain silence during play.
The Breaking Point: Racket Smash and Retirement
Tensions reached a boiling point when Moutet threw his racket after going 15-40 down in Mayot’s service game.
- The crowd jeered Moutet’s actions.
- Moutet broke his racket in half in response.
- The umpire issued a code violation and point penalty.
The Final Act
Moutet then offered the broken racket to a spectator before placing it on his bench. He shook hands with the umpire, signaling his retirement from the match. Boos echoed throughout the stands as he approached Mayot for a customary handshake.
Aftermath and Mayot’s Advancement
Moutet packed his belongings, discarded his racket, and exited the court amidst continuous booing. As he left, the crowd cheered and whistled.
Mayot now progresses to the second round, facing 20th seed Francisco Cerundolo. This marks only his third appearance at a Masters 1000 event, making this victory even more significant.