Tennis fans, brace yourselves for a story that’s as bold as it is polarizing! In a move that left spectators gasping and critics debating, Corentin Moutet clinched his Australian Open victory with an underarm serve on match point—a tactic that’s as daring as it is divisive. But here’s where it gets controversial: was it a stroke of genius or a questionable sportsmanship call? Let’s dive in.
Corentin Moutet, the 32nd seed, punched his ticket to the round of 64 at the 2026 Australian Open with a commanding 6-4, 7-6(1), 6-3 win over Australia’s own Tristan Schoolkate. Despite battling a hamstring issue that forced a medical timeout in the third set, the world number 34 showcased his signature blend of creativity and resilience. His ability to keep Schoolkate off-balance with unpredictable shots and relentless defense was nothing short of masterful.
The match’s climax? That underarm serve, of course. Schoolkate, already reeling from 16 unforced errors in the second set alone, was caught completely flat-footed. Moutet’s willingness to pull out such a high-risk, high-reward move under pressure highlights his mental toughness—a trait that shone brightest during the second-set tiebreak, which he dominated 7-1. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about the serve; it’s about the psychological warfare it unleashed.
Now, here’s the kicker: Is the underarm serve a legitimate strategy or a cheap trick? Some argue it’s a clever use of the rules, while others see it as disrespectful to the opponent. What do you think? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
Looking ahead, Moutet’s next challenge is the winner of Sebastian Korda (13th seed) and qualifier Michael Zheng. After silencing a hostile crowd and overcoming a physical setback, the Frenchman enters the second round with momentum on his side. Will this be the year he surpasses his career-best performance in Melbourne? Only time will tell. One thing’s for sure: with Moutet’s ‘bag of tricks,’ this tournament just got a whole lot more interesting.
