Australian Open players respond to boos after serving underarm at match point

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French tennis player Corentin Moutet says he did not intend to act disrespectfully after being booed by fans. australian open The spectator won match point with an underarm serve.

No. 32 seed Moutei beat Australia’s Tristan Skucket 6-4, 7-6(1), 6-3 in Sunday’s first round and said he “didn’t think twice” about his unorthodox shot selection on match point.

The 26-year-old left-hander deflected a tricky underarm slice that seemed to catch Skukat off guard, and he responded with a long split forehand.

The crowd’s gasps gave way to jeers when Mutai hit an underarm serve, put down his racket, celebrated with his team, and then shook Skukat’s hand at the net.

“I did it because I thought I could win the point, and I won the point. Nothing else,” said Moutei later, whose play is one of the most flashy on the ATP Tour.

“Of course, no disrespect intended. You know, like, I can serve it off the tee. I can [do] any. I decided to do this so I think it’s the better option at the moment. ”

Mutai also described his playing style. “I am who I am. I’m trying to perform well, be the best version of myself and be a great tennis player,” the Frenchman said.

“If I can make people happy, that’s even better, but that’s not my priority.

Corentin Moutet celebrates after winning in first round (Reuters)

French player Corentin Moutet shakes hands with Australian player Tristan Schoolkate (AFP/Getty)

“My priority is to perform well and be a good tennis player. I don’t know what people expect from us, but I think there are very good players in this day and age.”

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If world No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz both reaches the third round, Mutai could be their opponent. The Frenchman will next face Sebastian Korda or qualifier Michael Cheng.