A bizarre scene unfolded at the Citi DC Open after Alex de Minaur’s opponent, Corentin Moutet, snubbed the umpire following his defeat on July 26, 2025. De Minaur secured a straight-sets 6-4, 6-3 victory in the semifinals at the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C., advancing to his second final at the tournament. After the match, the two players exchanged the customary net handshake, but the post-match ritual took an unexpected turn. As tradition dictates, both were expected to shake hands with chair umpire Greg Allensworth. De Minaur complied, offering a quick handshake before heading to his bench. However, Moutet, standing just steps away, gestured for de Minaur to go first, then abruptly turned and walked off the court, bypassing the umpire entirely.
This snub has drawn attention given Moutet’s history of on-court controversies, including a racket-smashing outburst at the Stuttgart Open against Alexander Zverev and a tense exchange with Fabio Fognini. His decision to skip the handshake may reflect frustration from the loss or ongoing tension with officiating, as seen in past incidents where he challenged umpires’ calls. De Minaur, meanwhile, remained composed, focusing on his milestone 20th hardcourt win of the season, which propelled him back into the top 10 ATP Rankings. The incident has sparked discussions among fans, with some viewing it as a petulant act, while others speculate it might relate to a specific grievance with Allensworth during the match. As de Minaur prepares for the final against either Ben Shelton or Alejandro Davidovich Fokina on July 27, this unusual moment adds an intriguing footnote to his strong run.
