(VIDEO) Corentin Moutet throws racquet out of stadium after Phoenix Challenger semifinal loss

Corentin Moutet’s campaign at the Phoenix Challenger 175 ended in the semifinals on Saturday as the Frenchman fell to Marcos Giron 4-6, 6-4, 6-3. The match concluded with visible frustration from the top seed, who threw his racquet out of the stadium immediately after the final point.

Moutet had entered the tournament seeking additional match play during the Sunshine Double following an early exit at Indian Wells, where he lost in the opening round to Aleksandar Kovacevic. The Phoenix Challenger, one of the strongest events on the Challenger Tour calendar, often serves as preparation for players heading to the Miami Open.

The Frenchman began the week with solid results. He defeated compatriot Quentin Halys 6-4, 6-4 in his opening match before overcoming former Indian Wells finalist Nikoloz Basilashvili 7-6, 6-4 to reach the semifinals.

However, the semifinal against Giron ultimately slipped away despite a promising start. Moutet led by a set and had established an early advantage before the American gradually shifted the momentum and completed the comeback victory.

The match initially developed in Moutet’s favour. The Frenchman claimed the opening set 6-4, controlling many of the baseline exchanges and maintaining consistency on serve. Early in the second set, Moutet again appeared to be in command after building a break advantage. At that stage, the top seed looked well positioned to close out the match and secure a place in the final.

Giron, however, responded by raising the intensity of the rallies and applying greater pressure from the baseline. The American recovered the break and went on to level the match by taking the second set 6-4.

The deciding set followed a similar pattern, with Giron maintaining the momentum gained late in the second. He secured the key break and held his serve to close out the contest 6-3, advancing to the final of the Challenger 175 event.

The conclusion of the match was marked by a moment of frustration from Moutet. As Giron served for the match, the Frenchman attempted a return that clipped the net on his side before dropping back onto his own court, ending the contest.

Shortly before that final point, Moutet had spoken to the chair umpire, indicating that he believed there had been a let on the serve. The discussion followed his effort to save an earlier match point. When the match ended, Moutet reacted by throwing his racquet out of the stadium. The crowd initially reacted with surprise before audible boos followed from some spectators.

Tension had already been present earlier in the match. At one stage, Moutet exchanged words with a spectator seated close to the court during the Challenger event. Despite the defeat, the week in Phoenix provided Moutet with valuable match play ahead of the Miami Open, where he is expected to begin his campaign in the main draw.

The Frenchman will be the 31st seed and will receive a first-round bye, meaning he will still have a few days before his debut. Back in 2025 — his only appearance at the Miami Open so far — he reached the second round before being eliminated by Alejandro Tabilo.