Corentin Moutet fined $40,000 for cursing seven times in a minute during post-match interview

The ATP has fined French tennis player Corentin Moutet $40,000 for “unsportsmanlike conduct” following a post-match interview at Queen’s. According to the ATP, Moutet used profane language seven times in under a minute, leading the organization to levy the maximum fine possible for an ATP 500 tournament.

Why was Corentin Moutet fined $40,000?

The fine follows a BBC interview after Moutet, 27, defeated Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard 6-7(5), 6-4, 7-6(5). When interviewer Jenny Drummond asked about facing a 142 mph second serve from the 22-year-old Perricard, Moutet responded with profanity.

Drummond asked Moutet to avoid “f-bombs,” but the player responded by swearing three times. After a second question regarding his victory, Moutet used the same curse word three more times, causing the interview to be cut.

Drummond apologized to the crowd, and presenter Clare Balding apologized to television viewers from the studio. Moutet later commented on the tournament’s Instagram post, stating he was “just joking” and hoped viewers weren’t offended.

Did You Know? The $40,000 penalty is the maximum fine the ATP can levy for a violation occurring at an ATP 500 tournament, such as the Queen’s event in west London.

How does the ATP define “unsportsmanlike conduct”?

The ATP chose to fine Moutet for “unsportsmanlike conduct” rather than “audible obscenity.” According to the ATP Rulebook, audible obscenity involves words known to be profane uttered loudly enough to be heard, which typically carries a fine of up to $5,000 per violation.

Corentin Moutet Swears 7 Times As BBC Cuts Interview

The ATP defines “unsportsmanlike conduct” as misconduct that is “clearly abusive or detrimental to the success of a tournament, ATP and/or the Sport.” The organization applied this stricter classification to Moutet’s repeated use of profane language during the broadcast.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that the jump from a potential $5,000 obscenity fine to a $40,000 unsportsmanlike conduct penalty signals the ATP’s view of the incident as a systemic detriment to the sport’s image rather than a momentary lapse in judgment.

What happens next in the appeal process?

Moutet has confirmed he will appeal the financial penalty in accordance with ATP rules. An ATP statement noted that the ATP Tour Compliance Committee will review the appeal.

The organization stated that no further comments will be made while the appeal process is ongoing. Depending on the committee’s review, the fine could be adjusted or upheld.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the specific trigger for Moutet’s reaction?
Moutet was reacting to a 142 mph second serve delivered by Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard during their match.

How many times did Moutet swear during the interview?
Moutet swore seven times in less than one minute during the post-match interview.

Who is reviewing Moutet’s appeal?
The appeal will be reviewed by the ATP Tour Compliance Committee.

Do you think the maximum fine is a fair response to on-court interview conduct?