Corentin Moutet forces BBC to apologize after controversial interview.

Corentin Moutet has once again set the world tennis circuit ablaze, this time with an absolutely bizarre and explosive incident on the grass of the Queen’s Club Championships in London. The irreverent Frenchman not only staged a dramatic victory against compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in a match interrupted by rain and decided over two days, but also shocked the British audience and BBC viewers by dropping seven expletives during his on-court interview, prompting the public broadcaster to issue live apologies.

Moutet’s victory was achieved with difficulty: 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(5), in a match marked by balance and intensity. The encounter, which began under treacherous conditions due to the slippery surface, forced both players to return the next day to conclude the battle. Mpetshi Perricard, who came from the qualifying draw and seemed to be on a roll after winning the first set in a tie-break, could not maintain his advantage against Moutet’s resilience. The Frenchman saved break points right at the start of the second set, withstood the pressure, and managed to break his opponent’s serve at the most critical moment, forcing a decisive third set. Uncertainty remained until the end: another tie-break, more drama, and finally, Moutet secured his spot in the round of 16, where he will face Spanish player Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

What really shook social media and the tournament’s backstage, however, happened after the last point. With adrenaline running high, Moutet headed to the center of the court for the usual interview. Far from holding back, the Frenchman ignored all protocols and dropped the first expletive while describing an opponent’s devastating serve. BBC presenter Jenny Drummond immediately warned him: “Please, don’t say that word again.” But the warning fell on deaf ears. Moutet insisted, repeating the term several times, in front of an audience that was half shocked, half amused. The situation became so awkward that Drummond felt compelled to apologize live on air, before the interview was abruptly cut short. Back in the studio, Claire Balding reiterated the apology, emphasizing the unusual nature of the moment.

The irreverence of Moutet is not new for those who follow the ATP circuit. The 25-year-old tennis player has built a reputation as an “enfant terrible,” both for his unpredictable performances and for the constant controversies off the court. However, this episode exceeded the expectations of the British themselves, known for their composure and aversion to scandals in public broadcasts. The BBC was forced to react immediately, fearing public backlash and potential sanctions from the regulator. Moutet himself downplayed the situation on social media, sharing the video of the interview and writing: “I was just joking, I hope no one was offended. Thank you for the love.” The statement was posted just hours after the incident, in an attempt to downplay and show that he takes everything with a sense of humor.

However, the consequences may not end here. The ATP has strict rules regarding player behavior, especially at events broadcast on international channels. It is highly likely that Moutet will face a substantial fine, but the Frenchman seems more focused on what really matters: finally winning his first ATP title. It is worth noting that Moutet has been a finalist on three occasions, including on the grass of Mallorca last year, where he lost to Tallon Griekspoor. The match against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the round of 16 promises to be intense, with the stands at Queen’s eagerly awaiting another spectacle — both on and off the court.

This victory and the subsequent episode once again put Moutet under the spotlight at a crucial moment in the grass season, just ahead of Wimbledon. It remains to be seen whether the Frenchman’s irreverent talent will finally translate into a trophy or if he will continue to be remembered as the protagonist of controversies. For now, Queen’s Club is buzzing with talk of nothing else: Moutet is once again the name of the day, for all the right — and wrong — reasons.

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