French tennis player Corentin Moutet has issued an apology to spectators after grinding out a hard-fought victory over local hopeful Tristan Schoolkate at the Australian Open, a match marred by a dramatic injury scare for the seeded star.
Moutet's Gritty Victory Overshadowed by Injury
The No.32 seed Moutet appeared in complete control during the opening stages on Kia Arena, seizing a commanding two-set lead. However, the contest took a sharp turn early in the third set when the 26-year-old Frenchman suffered an apparent leg issue, requiring immediate medical attention.
After initial treatment courtside, a visibly frustrated Moutet left the court for further assessment behind the scenes. This presented a golden opportunity for Tristan Schoolkate, who dug deep to break back and level the third set at 3-3, igniting the hopes of the Australian crowd.
Schoolkate's Chance Slips Away
Despite earning two break points against a hobbled opponent, the 24-year-old West Australian was unable to capitalise on Moutet's limited mobility. The Frenchman regrouped to close out the match 6-4, 7-6 (7-1), 6-3 in two hours and 37 minutes.
In his post-match interview, Moutet was contrite about his on-court demeanour during the injury disruption. "I’m very sorry, I didn’t want to act like this," Moutet said. "I really respect my opponent, such a great player, and you guys coming was such a pleasure."
He downplayed the severity of the problem, attributing it largely to cramp and fatigue in his first official match of the year. Moutet, who broke into the world's top 50 in late 2025 after an injury-free season, now faces a second-round clash against the winner of the all-American match between qualifier Michael Zheng and Sebastian Korda.
Australian Campaign Takes Early Hit
For Schoolkate, who entered the top 100 last year, the defeat marks him as the first Australian man eliminated from the grand slam. The local contingent now looks to other hopefuls, with Adam Walton facing the daunting task of taking on world No.1 Carlos Alcaraz on Sunday night, while Jason Kubler will meet American 29th seed Frances Tiafoe.
Elsewhere in the men's draw on Day One:
- British qualifier Arthur Fery scored an upset, knocking out 20th seed Flavio Cobolli, who was battling an upset stomach.
- Fery will next face Argentina's Tomas Martin Etcheverry, who survived a five-set thriller against Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic.
- Last year's finalist, Alexander Zverev, recovered from losing the first set to defeat Canadian Gabriel Diallo in four sets.
