French tennis player Corentin Moutet is facing a substantial ATP fine after repeatedly swearing during a live BBC television interview at Queen’s Club, prompting immediate apologies from the broadcaster.
The 27-year-old, who had just secured a three-set victory over compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard at the HSBC Championships, used the 'F' word an astonishing seven times during his post-match chat with interviewer Jenny Drummond. Drummond was forced to apologise to tea-time viewers for Moutet’s outburst.
When questioned about Mpetshi Perricard saving a match point with a 142mph second serve, Moutet responded: "When he hits me at 142, I was like f***!" Despite Drummond’s plea of "no F-bombs please," the world number 36 retorted "F*** f*** f***!"
Drummond gasped "No, no, no" and apologised for the language, which was audible to children near the famous Queen’s Clubhouse.
After a final attempt to salvage the interview, asking him to "please keep it clean", Moutet again replied "F*** f*** f***!", leading Drummond to cut the segment short.
Back in the studio, presenter Clare Balding reiterated apologies, noting Moutet was "living up to his bad-boy image."
She added: "‘Chaos makes the muses’ is what he wrote on the camera screen there. It’s a tattoo that he has as well. And, yep, chaos is what he can create."
Co-presenter Annabel Croft, a former British number one, described Moutet’s conduct as "appalling".
Despite earning approximately £33,000 for his win, Moutet is expected to lose a significant portion of his winnings in the form of a fine. The ATP has been contacted for comment regarding the incident.
The men’s tournament began on Monday after the women’s event was held last week.
Emma Raducanu enjoyed a welcome return to form on home soil as she made the final before losing to Donna Vekic.
Raducanu is still waiting for her first title since winning the US Open back in 2021, but she looked back to her best ahead of Wimbledon, with the third grand slam tournament of the year due to begin later this month.
