Moutet advances to third round in Rome: "I can still step up my game"

Corentin Moutet won the all-French clash in the second round of the Rome Masters 1000. Facing Ugo Humbert, who has been struggling with a right-hand injury for a month, the younger of the two players took advantage of the Messin native's retirement while Moutet appeared headed for victory (6-3, 4-0 ret.). After securing his spot in the next round, the world No. 83 reflected on his success.

"Compared to the first match (against Rinky Hijikata), it was a bit different. Ugo was clearly not at his best today. It wasn’t easy—I had to keep that in mind while playing but without focusing too much on it.

I think I can still step up my game, but I was much more solid today, with fewer unforced errors. That said, again, he was really struggling. We know his qualities, and I was lucky today that he wasn’t playing his best tennis.

Obviously, winning this way is never ideal, especially against a fellow French player. I know he’s been dealing with this issue for a few weeks now. All we can wish for him is that he recovers and gets back to his best level," Moutet told L’Équipe. He will next face Holger Rune.