Corentin Moutet on underarm serves & Alcaraz clash: 'It's going to be fun' | ATP Tour | Tennis
When you think of tennis, you might picture powerful serves and intense rallies, but sometimes the game surprises us in thrilling ways. French player Corentin Moutet is known for his unpredictable style, and he’s ready to take on the challenge of facing the World No. 1, Carlos Alcaraz, for the first time this Friday in Melbourne. This encounter promises to be exciting!
On January 22, 2026, at the Australian Open, Moutet made headlines after a spirited second-round victory over Michael Zheng. Known for his dynamic left-handed play, the 26-year-old Frenchman has a flair that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. As he prepares for this highly anticipated match against Alcaraz, the stage is set for an unforgettable showdown.
During his opening round against Tristan Schoolkate, Moutet showcased his unique talent with a shot that has become closely associated with him—the underarm serve. "I felt really pleased with my underarm serve at match point, as I surprised even myself," he shared with ATPTour.com. "I didn’t plan it; my opponent was pretty close to the baseline, yet I went for it anyway."
The use of underarm serves often sparks lively debate among players and fans alike. Moutet, who confidently employed this tactic six times in a single match last June in Mallorca, emphasizes that the intention behind using such shots is critical. "If I'm doing it just to provoke the crowd, that's a different story. Personally, I only use it when I believe it can help me win the point," he stated. "Winning is my priority, and I always respect my opponents and the fans, no matter their support. They contribute so much energy to the match.
As more players incorporate underarm serves into their games, Moutet believes that this shift may continue. "I never use it to disrespect anyone. If it works, I'll keep using it... It has helped me several times, like against Daniil Medvedev in Washington last year."
Currently ranked No. 37 in the PIF ATP Rankings, Moutet is eager to build upon his impressive 2025 season, during which he achieved 33 tour-level victories, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. His impending match with Alcaraz marks their first head-to-head encounter, a meeting filled with potential excitement and surprises.
Moutet remarked, "I've never practiced or played against Alcaraz before, so I think it will come as a surprise to both of us. I’m trying not to overanalyze the situation. I’ll enter the court confident in my own playing style and the preparation I’ve done with my team. I’m feeling fit and ready."
Looking ahead, Moutet anticipates an engaging battle on the court. "For sure, it’s going to be entertaining. I expect some wonderful rallies. He is a physically strong and incredibly talented player, so it will be interesting to see how I handle that challenge."
As Moutet steps onto the iconic Rod Laver Arena, he will be aiming for his third victory against a Top 10 opponent. Last year, he managed to defeat Holger Rune, then ranked No. 10, and Taylor Fritz, who held the No. 4 spot at the time. However, facing the current World No. 1, who seeks to secure the Australian Open title and complete a Career Grand Slam, presents a daunting task.
Moutet shares his admiration for Alcaraz, stating, "He’s a fantastic player and a genuinely nice guy. Along with Jannik Sinner, I consider them to be among the best players right now. I’ve been eager to compete against him to experience the highest level of play on the Tour. I am diligently working towards reaching that level, so I’m excited to witness firsthand how they perform. I can't wait to play against him!"
