Penalty game, suspenseful match: Moutet's crazy day in Miami

Adrien Guyot

le 22/03/2025 à 07h41

2 min to read

Miami Moutet Tabilo

Corentin Moutet's adventure in Miami came to an end in the second round. After his successful debut against Alexander Blockx (7-6, 6-4), the 25-year-old Frenchman faced Alejandro Tabilo.

In a match that remained undecided until the very end, Moutet fought to save two match points but ultimately succumbed (5-7, 6-3, 7-5). After managing to break back when the Chilean had served for the match for the first time, the world No. 76 couldn't take the lead and eventually lost the final two games of the encounter.

However, this match was also marked by several incidents. Late in the second set, while Tabilo was serving to level the match at one set apiece, the Frenchman became irritated with a spectator seated directly behind him in the stands, who was expressing support for Tabilo in a manner Moutet deemed too aggressive.

After ironically rallying the crowd, which was largely in favor of the Chilean, Moutet instructed the chair umpire to ensure the spectator in question was removed from the stands.

The game was then interrupted for several minutes, as Moutet refused to continue until the issue was resolved. However, he did not get his way and was initially penalized with a point penalty, which instantly cost him the second set, as Tabilo had secured a set point on his serve.

This incident did not calm Moutet, who remained seated, discussing the matter with the supervisor. But the decision stood, and Moutet was penalized a second time, starting the third and final set with a penalty game that also handed his opponent the break.

This event would not be without consequences, as Moutet, who nonetheless delighted the crowd with his signature shots, ultimately fell after 2 hours and 50 minutes of play. Tabilo, the world No. 31, will now face Casper Ruud in the third round.