Nick Kyrgios sparks debate after naming controversial star as his ‘favourite player’: “You should all be grateful”
ATP
Nick Kyrgios has once again placed himself at the centre of tennis conversation after publicly naming Corentin Moutet as his favourite player on tour, pairing the endorsement with a direct message to fans urging them to appreciate the Frenchman’s unpredictability and on-court personality.
The Australian posted the message on Instagram alongside a photo with Moutet, writing: “My favourite player.” He then added a second line that quickly circulated across social media: “You should all be grateful, relax and enjoy the show.”
The timing of the post comes amid renewed attention around Moutet following another controversial on-court interview in which the Frenchman repeatedly used explicit language after a match, despite attempts from the interviewer to stop him.
Their on-court relationship also adds context to Kyrgios’ endorsement. The pair met in Stuttgart earlier this grass swing, where Kyrgios recorded his only victory of this brief grass-court campaign, which was limited to Stuttgart and Mallorca. His run was interrupted by injury, forcing him to miss Halle, before closing the singles grass season earlier than planned.
Kyrgios doubles down on support for Moutet amid controversy
Kyrgios’ social media post effectively served as a public defence of Moutet at a moment when the Frenchman was again under scrutiny for his behaviour during an on-court interview, where he reportedly used explicit language multiple times.
Rather than distancing himself from the incident, Kyrgios leaned into the controversy, positioning Moutet as part of a broader group of players whose emotional expression and unpredictability are, in his view, central to tennis entertainment.
The message aligns with Kyrgios’ long-standing public stance that tennis benefits from personality-driven narratives rather than controlled uniformity, especially when it comes to players who divide opinion.
Nick Kyrgios 🇦🇺 sur Corentin Moutet 🇫🇷 : « Mon joueur préféré. Vous devriez tous être reconnaissants, vous asseoir et profiter du spectacle. » pic.twitter.com/3V6w4GjSud
— Univers Tennis 🎾 (@UniversTennis) June 23, 2026
Two polarising figures defined by emotion and spectacle
Nick Kyrgios and Corentin Moutet represent two of the most emotionally expressive profiles on the ATP Tour, players whose visibility is shaped as much by attitude and incident as by results.
Kyrgios has long combined elite shot-making with confrontation, spontaneity, and an openly unfiltered relationship with the sport’s structure. Moutet, in parallel, has developed a similar identity on the next generation of the circuit, frequently involved in tense and unpredictable match dynamics.
Moutet’s matches have regularly featured clashes with crowds, chair umpires, and opponents, with emotional reactions becoming a recurring part of his competitive profile. Against Alexander Bublik in Phoenix, one of the most notable incidents escalated to the point of a near physical confrontation, reinforcing the volatility that often surrounds his matches.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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