French tennis player Moutet fined for swearing in BBC interview

France's Corentin Moutet has been fined $40,000 for swearing multiple times during a live BBC television interview at the Queen's Club Championships, effectively losing almost all his prize money from the tournament. The ATP Tour imposed the maximum penalty for unsportsmanlike behavior, though Moutet has appealed the decision.

The world number 36 earned approximately £32,800 for reaching the second round of the ATP 500 event. After his first-round win over compatriot Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard on Tuesday, Moutet used an expletive seven times in an on-court interview, which was eventually cut short. The interviewer had asked him to refrain from repeating the language after an initial outburst, but Moutet continued. Presenter Clare Balding later apologized to viewers.

History of misconduct

This is not the first time Moutet has faced disciplinary action. In 2022, he was defaulted from the Adelaide International for swearing at the umpire after losing a set. Later that year, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) dropped him from its support program, citing a lack of 'exemplary behavior.' Following the Queen's incident, Moutet wrote on Instagram that he was 'just joking' and hoped no one was offended. He subsequently lost his second-round match to Spain's Alejandro Davidovich Fokina.

• Fined $40,000 for swearing seven times in a BBC interview
• Fine amounts to nearly all his Queen's Club prize money
• Interview was cut short after repeated expletives
• Moutet has appealed the ATP sanction
• Previous penalties include a default and loss of national federation support

The ATP Tour's decision underscores its strict stance on player conduct during media appearances. Moutet's appeal will be heard in due course, and the outcome may set a precedent for similar cases in the future.