Tennis fans were left stunned and divided after Corentin Moutet pulled off a daring move at the Australian Open that sparked both applause and outrage. Imagine the tension of match point, and instead of a powerful ace, a player opts for an underarm serve—a tactic so rare it’s almost unheard of in top-tier men’s tennis. That’s exactly what Moutet did, sealing his first-round victory against Tristan Schoolkate in a move that left the crowd at Kia Arena audibly booing. But here’s where it gets controversial: was it a stroke of genius or a disrespectful gamble? Moutet, the No. 32 seed, remained unfazed by the backlash, later explaining that his decision was instinctual rather than premeditated. 'I thought it would give me the edge to win the point,' he said, adding, 'I won the point, and there was no intention to disrespect anyone.'
The underarm serve, while perfectly legal, is a tactic rarely seen at this level, especially on match point. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the rules—it’s about the unwritten code of sportsmanship in tennis. While some high-profile players have used it in the past, Moutet’s execution caught his Australian opponent off guard, raising questions about its fairness and strategic value. 'In that moment, it felt like the right choice,' Moutet insisted.
The 26-year-old Frenchman didn’t have an easy day on the court, though. Battling the scorching Melbourne heat, he required a medical timeout in the third set due to what appeared to be a leg issue. However, he later clarified it was a 'global' problem—a combination of illness, soreness, and lack of quality sleep in the days leading up to the match. 'We all deal with some kind of pain daily,' he reflected. 'I just tried to manage it as best I could.' Despite the challenges, Moutet expressed pride in his performance, acknowledging the difficulty of starting the year with such a demanding match.
Looking ahead, Moutet’s journey at the Australian Open could get even more exciting. If he advances to the next round and top-ranked Carlos Alcaraz does the same, the two could face off in the third round at Melbourne Park. Moutet remains confident, stating, 'The most important thing is to get through it and leave the challenges behind.'
But let’s circle back to the underarm serve debate. Is it a legitimate strategy or a cheap trick? Some argue it’s a clever way to catch opponents off guard, while others believe it undermines the spirit of the game. What do you think? Should players like Moutet be applauded for thinking outside the box, or is this a line that shouldn’t be crossed? Let us know in the comments—this is one tennis conversation you won’t want to miss!
