Full Breakdown
Corentin Moutet Faces Potential ATP Fine After Seven Profanities in Live Queen’s Club Interview
6/17/2026, 11:34:54 PM
Live Interview Incident at Queen’s Club
During the first round of the HSBC Championships at London’s Queen’s Club, world No. 36 Corentin Moutet was interviewed on court after defeating compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-5). When asked about a 142 mph second serve that saved a match point, Moutet responded with the expletive “F---” seven times. Interviewer Jenny Drummond apologized, cut the interview short, and presenter Clare Balding later issued a broadcast apology.
Prior Disciplinary Record
Moutet’s conduct at Queen’s Club follows earlier sanctions. In 2022 he was defaulted from the Adelaide International after swearing at umpire Laslo Djere, prompting the French Tennis Federation (FFT) to withdraw his financial aid in November that year. A separate incident at the Hamburg Open saw him throw a racket and briefly lower his shorts. These actions have placed him under heightened scrutiny for on-court behaviour.
Official Statements & Responses
The BBC’s on-air team issued two apologies: Drummond’s immediate apology to viewers and Balding’s on-screen statement. The FFT released a formal comment condemning the language, emphasizing that players should maintain an exemplary attitude. The ATP Tour was contacted for comment but had not provided a response at the time of reporting. Moutet later posted on Instagram, stating he was “just joking” and hoped viewers were not offended.
Criticism & Opposition
Former British number one Annabel Croft, co-presenter on the BBC broadcast, called the behaviour appalling. Media commentary highlighted his “bad-boy image” and noted that repeated profanity on a family-viewed programme raised concerns about professional standards in tennis broadcasting.
Data & Statistics
- Profanities uttered: 7
- Prize money for the win: ? £33,000
- Current ATP ranking: No. 36
- Prior sanctions: default at Adelaide 2022, FFT financial-aid removal, Hamburg behavioural incident
- Potential fine: unspecified, but described as “heavy” by multiple outlets.
Why It Matters
The incident underscores the ATP’s ongoing effort to enforce conduct codes and the responsibility of broadcasters to maintain family-friendly content. A fine could reduce Moutet’s earnings from the tournament and set a precedent for handling profanity in live sport interviews, influencing future player-media interactions.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources agree on the number of profanities and the likelihood of an ATP fine, but the exact amount and timing of the sanction remain unconfirmed. The ATP’s official position was not available, leaving the final disciplinary outcome uncertain.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was just joking, I hope you guys didn't get offended. Thanks for the love.” — Corentin Moutet, Instagram post
- “We cannot condone this type of behaviour. We ask our players and coaches for an exemplary attitude,” — French Tennis Federation
- “And just to repeat those apologies for everyone watching BBC Two and iPlayer.” — Clare Balding, BBC presenter
- “ Co-presenter Annabel Croft, the former British number one, called Moutet's behaviour "appalling.” — Annabel Croft, former British number one
- “F--- f--- f---!” — Corentin Moutet, live interview response
