The French Open has yet again produced some of the finest clay-court tennis the ATP and WTA Tours have to offer.
The tournament, typified by orange clay and an often raucous atmosphere, has welcomed back the likes of Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek.
On Tuesday, Court Simonne Mathieu welcomed an all-French affair, as Corentin Moutet battled Clément Tabur for the chance to reach the second round.
Moutet was ultimately victorious, winning 6-3 7-6 (6) 6-3 over 25-year-old Tabur.
Corentin Moutet’s ‘point of the tournament’ at Roland Garros
During his victory, Moutet grabbed the headlines by winning a crucial exchange described as the ‘point of the tournament’ by tennis author Bastien Fachan.
Tabur, who was down 30-40 at 3-3, was hoping to avoid an early break of serve during the first set.
The Frenchman produced a T-serve to put Moutet on the back foot, before rushing to the net and producing three straight smashes, making Moutet run from corner to corner across the back of the court.
However, Moutet retrieved all three smashes, before producing a stunning backhand passing shot down the line.
The Frenchman proceeded to throw his racket onto Court Simonne Mathieu and take in the adulation roaring down from the French Open stands.
The 26-year-old was not finished, producing a trick shot during a crucial point at 6-5 in the second set.
After a strong backhand return and forehand approach, Moutet hit a drop shot half-volley through his legs to win the point.
Moutet now set to face Novak Djokovic
The Frenchman, who triumphed 6-3 7-6 (6) 6-3 during the first-round matchup, set up a mouth-watering clash with 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic.
Djokovic, 38, is bidding to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles.
The Serbian player made history last week, winning his 100th singles title on the ATP Tour at the Geneva Open in Switzerland.
Djokovic, who is hoping to add to his three Roland Garros triumphs, won 6-3 6-3 6-3 against American Mackenzie MacDonald during his first-round encounter.
The 38-year-old could set up an enticing clash with Canadian powerhouse Denis Shapovalov, who faces Filip Musolic in his second-round encounter.
On the last occasion, Djokovic failed to defend his Roland Garros title, withdrawing ahead of last year’s quarter-final due to injury.
The Serbian, who suffered shock defeats this year in Monte-Carlo and Madrid, will face Moutet on Thursday at 12:50 am on Court Philippe Chatrier.
Djokovic leads Moutet 2-0 in their head-to-head, having faced each other in Paris and Rome, in 2019 and 2024 respectively.