Tommy Paul defeats Corentin Moutet in a thrilling Paris 2024 clash. © Twitter (@ChipInSports)
Tommy Paul ended Corentin Moutet’s campaign with a score of 7-6(5), 6-3, dealing a devastating blow to French prospects at the Paris 2024 Olympics in an intense match played under the scorching sun on Court Suzanne-Lenglen. The match, which lasted 2 hours and 17 minutes, saw Moutet, the last French player remaining in the men’s singles, fighting valiantly but ultimately falling short.
For the first time since the Sydney Olympics in 2000, no French player will advance to the quarter-finals of the men’s singles. Moutet, buoyed by the roaring support from the home crowd, displayed a resilient performance but could not withstand Paul’s consistency and control.
The match began with Paul breaking Moutet early, putting the Frenchman on the back foot. Despite this, Moutet showcased his trademark resilience, employing drop shots, lobs, and aggressive passing shots to level the score at 4-4. The first set’s tiebreaker was a dramatic affair, with Moutet saving six match points before ultimately losing out.
As the second set commenced, Moutet struggled to maintain his form. Broken again early in the set, he appeared passive at times, allowing Paul to assert his dominance. Moutet made a great effort to tie the game at 2-5 and then 3-5, but Paul clinched the win, ending Moutet’s aspirations.
Moutet expressed his disappointment post-match, reflecting on the immense pressure and expectations placed on him as the last French competitor. I was the last French rider in the race, and I had a lot of hope and pressure; I wanted to do well, Moutet said. It’s not an individual competition; it’s a team competition, and we have to give everything to the people who come to support us.
The Frenchman’s journey to Paris in 2024 was challenging. Just days before the tournament, Moutet was still determining if he would compete. Yet, his impressive performances on clay in the lead-up to the Games secured his place. Despite the loss, he took pride in his efforts, acknowledging the supportive atmosphere and the opportunity to represent his country.
The atmosphere was incredible, and the fans were cheering me on throughout, Moutet remarked. We are all united during the match. It’s the Olympic Games, and we’re playing for our country—it’s bigger than playing individually. I gave up on a Grand Slam to play here, and I did everything I could to defend the colours of my country.
As Moutet reflects on his Olympic adventure, he can take solace in his spirited performance and the unwavering support from his fans. For now, Tommy Paul moves on, but the echo of Moutet’s fight will linger at Roland Garros.
