Full Breakdown
Corentin Moutet’s Swearing Incident at Queen’s Club Sparks Broadcast Apology and Potential ATP Fine
6/18/2026, 12:05:18 AM
Match Recap and On-Court Incident
World No. 36 Corentin Moutet defeated compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-7 (5-7), 6-4, 7-6 (7-5) at the HSBC Championships on the Queen’s Club courts. The match, halted on Monday by fading light, resumed on Tuesday with Moutet leading 2-1 in the final set when Perricard saved a match point with a 142 mph second serve. The win earned Moutet roughly £33,000 in prize money.
Live Interview and Repeated Profanity
During the post-match interview with BBC presenter Jenny Drummond, Moutet answered a question about the 142 mph serve with “When he hits me at 142, I was like f*!” After Drummond asked “no F-bombs please,” he replied “F* f* f*!” three more times. Drummond apologized on-air, repeated “No, no, no,” and ultimately cut the interview short. The segment was later replayed in a heavily censored form on the BBC’s social channels.
Data & Statistics
- Swear count: seven expletives.
- Earnings from the tournament: £32,660 – £33,000.
- ATP ranking at the time: No. 36.
- Prior disciplinary record includes a default at the 2022 Adelaide International for swearing at an umpire and a loss of French Tennis Federation (FFT) financial aid in November 2022.
Official Statements & Responses
The BBC issued multiple on-air apologies. Drummond said, “Apologies, everyone, for the language there.” Clare Balding added, “Corentin Moutet living up to his bad-boy image…Chaos makes the muses is what he wrote on the camera screen.” The ATP was contacted for comment but had not yet responded. The FFT’s 2022 statement, reiterated after the incident, read: “We cannot condone this type of behaviour. We ask our players and coaches for an exemplary attitude.”
Criticism & Opposition
Former British No. 1 Annabel Croft described Moutet’s conduct as “appalling.” Additional commentary from BBC analysts highlighted the clash between player expression and broadcast standards.
Background & Context
Moutet’s disciplinary history includes a 2022 Adelaide International default for swearing at an umpire, a subsequent removal of FFT funding, and a prior Queen’s Club episode where he halted play by refusing to continue after light faded, prompting a dispute with the supervisor and chair umpire. Earlier in 2022 he was also reported to have called an umpire a “f*ing t*” during an on-court argument.
Why It Matters / Impact
The incident raises questions about live-broadcast profanity controls, the ATP’s enforcement of player conduct, and the potential financial impact on a rising French talent ahead of Wimbledon. It also underscores the tension between a player’s “bad-boy” persona and the expectations of televised sport.
What’s Next
Moutet is expected to receive a substantial ATP fine that could significantly reduce his £33,000 prize. He remains entered in the upcoming Wimbledon Championships, where his on-court behavior will be closely monitored by officials and broadcasters alike.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Apologies, everyone, for the language there,” — Jenny Drummond, BBC presenter
- “‘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.” — Clare Balding, BBC presenter
- “I was just joking, I hope you guys didn't get offended. Thanks for the love.” — Corentin Moutet, Instagram comment
- “When he hits me at 142, I was like f***!” — Corentin Moutet, live interview
