Mayot Unfiltered on French Fans: "People Really Enjoy Seeing the French Lose"

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Jules Hypolite

le 23/04/2025 à 19h15

1 min to read

Madrid Mayot Moutet

Harold Mayot advanced to the second round of the Madrid Masters 1000 this Wednesday, benefiting from Corentin Moutet's retirement (6-3, 4-2 ret.).

In comments reported by *L’Équipe*, the world No. 160 shared his thoughts on the lack of support from French fans and the recurring criticism:

"People really enjoy seeing the French lose. It’s their thing! That’s what’s disappointing in France—there are so many players. We should all be pushing each other up. I was the junior world No. 1, and I haven’t broken through like others have.

Does that make me a bad guy? A slacker, like I sometimes read? No, it just makes me someone who’s trying, who probably doesn’t have the same abilities as others, but who’s doing their best.

It’s very French to constantly criticize, no matter what. People who probably don’t know much—you have to understand them too, they’ve been waiting a long time for a guy to win a Grand Slam. I’m not judging, but it’s pretty small-minded. I’m just trying to do my thing.

I’m 23, I don’t have the same expectations as when I was 18, when people were waiting for me. I’m working as hard as I can, trying to enjoy what I’m experiencing. If I finish my career ranked 110th, but knowing I gave it everything to get there, I’ll be proud of myself—and that’s what matters."