Corentin Moutet booed after destroying racquet and then retiring from Madrid Open match against Harold Mayot
Updated 24/04/2025 at 11:53 GMT+1
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Fans at the Madrid Open made their displeasure clear as a first-round match took an unexpected turn when Corentin Moutet reacted angrily to losing a point. He later provided context for the outburst on X, but it was a surprising and dramatic development that left spectators booing when Moutet chose to retire midway through the second set of the match against Harold Mayot.
Moutet destroys racquet and retires from match in bizarre Madrid Open outburst
Video credit: SNTV
Tennis can be a frustrating sport for even the most accomplished, successful players, but some are better than others at keeping their emotions in check.
Corentin Moutet struggled to contain his frustration in his first round Madrid Open match against Harold Mayot.
Having lost the first set 3-6 and trailing 2-3 in the second, Moutet appeared annoyed by the loss of a point, smashing his racquet against the court.
Moutet picked up the racquet and snapped it in his hands before walking towards his chair seemingly to get a new racquet.
However, instead he headed to the umpire and shook his hand to signal his retirement from the match.
Moutet's unexpected decision was greeted by boos and jeers from the astonished Madrid crowd.
While it was not initially clear, the Frenchman later confirmed on social media that he had been struggling with a back injury.
"I went to do an MRI directly after my match I’m still waiting for the result," the 26-year-old wrote on X.
"I wanted to try today but I didn’t know that it would be that bad. My back didn’t allow me to do much. I hope to be back soon on the court. All the best to my opponent for the rest of the tournament."
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Video credit: SNTV
Moutet cut a frustrated figure throughout the match and exchanged words with fans in the second set before retiring.
"Leave if you’re not happy. Leave the stadium, there is plenty courts," he said, seemingly annoyed by the actions of some spectators and frustrated with the chair umpire.
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Moutet was given a code violation and point penalty after destroying his racquet, before choosing to retire.
His opponent, Mayot, earned a first-ever WTA 1000 victory as a result, and will face Sebastian Korda in the next round.
How to watch and stream the 2025 French Open?
You can watch all the action from the 2025 French Open live in the UK on TNT Sports and discovery+.
As well as all the live coverage from around Roland-Garros, there will be expert analysis from on-site and in the studio.
Who is playing the 2025 French Open?
Carlos Alcaraz could face strong competition as he looks to defend his French Open title next month.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will be looking to win a third major title in a row after returning from a three-month doping ban.
Novak Djokovic will have his sights on a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam and Alexander Zverev will be hoping to go one better after losing in last year’s final.
British No. 1 Jack Draper will be hopeful of progressing past the opening round for the first time in his third appearance at the Grand Slam.
Rafael Nadal played the French Open for the last time in 2024 but will be given a special tribute on the opening day of this year's tournament.
Defending champion Swiatek will start as the strong favourite for the women’s title.
Swiatek has won the French Open four times, but world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka will be among those looking to topple her and win her first title in Paris.
Coco Gauff has made the final and semi-finals in the last three years, while Jasmine Paolini and Jessica Pegula could also be contenders.
Katie Boulter and Emma Raducanu are set to lead the British charge.
You can watch every moment of the 2025 French Open live on TNT Sports and on discovery+
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