Corentin Moutet Clashes with Umpire After Zverev Handshake Drama in Stuttgart
Corentin Moutet, Alexander Zverev’s opponent in the second round of the BOSS OPEN in Stuttgart on June 12, 2025, lost his composure with umpire Richard Haigh during a heated exchange, just days after a controversial handshake incident with Christopher Eubanks at the Libema Open, per www.express.co.uk. Moutet, ranked No. 91, fell to Zverev 6-2, 7-6(7) in a match where he received a code violation for unsportsmanlike conduct after arguing with Haigh over a hindrance call in the second-set tiebreak, per www.sportingnews.com. The Frenchman’s frustration boiled over as he shouted, “You’re ruining the match!” and gestured animatedly, prompting Haigh to warn him of further penalties, per www.the-sun.ng.
The incident followed Moutet’s frosty handshake with Eubanks on June 9 at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, where he accused Eubanks of disrespect after a 7-6(4), 7-6(5) loss. Moutet claimed Eubanks “talked to me like I’m a kid” during a net exchange, leading to a cold handshake and Moutet storming off, per www.tennis.com. Eubanks denied the accusation, saying, “I didn’t disrespect him at all… I’m not sure what he was talking about,” per www.express.co.uk. Posts on X, like @TheTennisLetter, amplified the drama, with clips of Moutet’s Libema Open outburst circulating widely, per @TheTennisLetter.
Against Zverev, Moutet’s temper flared again when a let call disrupted his rhythm, costing him a crucial point in the tiebreak. “I’m not playing anymore if you keep doing this!” he yelled, per www.sportingnews.com. Zverev, who saved a set point to clinch the match, remained unfazed, later calling the performance “average” but valuing the win, per www.atptour.com. Moutet’s antics drew criticism, with fans on X, like @TennisUpdates25, labeling him “petulant,” per @TennisUpdates25. The back-to-back controversies highlight Moutet’s fiery temperament as Zverev advances to face Brandon Nakashima, eyeing Wimbledon (June 30-July 13), per www.sportskeeda.com.
