Moutet Kicks Off His Reunion with Bublik: "He Does Not Represent the Values I Stand for as an Athlete"

Corentin Moutet will attempt to defeat Alexander Bublik for the first time in his career this Wednesday.

Moutet has started his Paris Masters 1000 well. Facing American lucky loser Reilly Opelka, who was reinstated after withdrawing before his second qualifying round, the Frenchman came within two games of defeat but ultimately found the resources to win in three sets (3-6, 7-5, 6-1 in 2h08).

Thanks to this victory, the world No. 32 qualified for the second round where he will meet Alexander Bublik again. An opponent Moutet has never beaten, whether on the main tour or in Challenger events. Moreover, their last encounter left its mark.

Earlier this season, at the Phoenix Challenger, the two men were close to coming to blows during their quarterfinal match (2-6, 7-6, 7-5 for Bublik). When asked about his next opponent, Moutet fired the first shots before facing Bublik in the evening session on Center Court this Wednesday, in what promises to be a heated atmosphere.

"Bublik is a very good player. We've had disagreements in the past, let's say he doesn't represent the values I stand for as an athlete in his speech. But well, we are all different, that's important for tennis too. I will come in super motivated and I will try to send him back home," Moutet stated, according to comments reported by L'Équipe.