Moutet defeats Fritz and records the biggest victory of his career

After Arthur Rinderknech earlier, it was Corentin Moutet’s turn to cause an upset at Queen’s. The Frenchman, who came through the qualifiers, defeated Taylor Fritz—the No. 3 seed and world No. 4—in three sets (6-7 [5], 7-6 [7], 7-5) on Tuesday evening in London. A true feat: it’s the first time in his career that Moutet has beaten a top-5 player.

This match against the American was the third France–USA clash of the day at Queen’s (with France winning two of them). It was a match of exceptional intensity with a dramatic finish. Despite having been very solid on grass this season (winning in Stuttgart), Fritz suffered his first breaks of 2025 on grass—against a highly inspired Moutet.

The Frenchman played extremely aggressive tennis, relying in particular on a powerful and incisive forehand that kept his opponent under pressure throughout the match. Gradually, Fritz—who had been very steady until then—began to falter, committing more unforced errors and even a few double faults that are rare at this level.

Moutet on Fritz : “Almost no weakness”

After saving a match point in the second-set tiebreak, Moutet started the deciding set in the best possible way by breaking serve right away. But when it came time to serve for the match, the Frenchman had a lapse, raising the possibility of a comeback. Just before the final games, he was even hit on the head by a ball while at the net—an incident with no serious consequences… but one that may have helped him regain his composure at just the right moment.

In a high-tension finish, Moutet dug deep to break Fritz a second time. This time, the Frenchman didn’t falter: he closed out the match after 2 hours and 54 minutes of battle, in what will go down as the biggest win of his career.

Following this resounding victory, Corentin Moutet showed his satisfaction while keeping a grounded perspective:

‘It’s only the second time I’ve beaten a top-10 player, so obviously it’s a great joy. But I’m especially happy for my team: all the work we’ve put in is starting to pay off at this tournament. It’s just one match—there’s still a lot to do this season—but I’m particularly proud of this one.’

The Frenchman also acknowledged the high level of play from Fritz:

‘He’s very solid—players like him have almost no weaknesses. I knew I had to be at my best from start to finish. Everything came down to small details. I missed a volley, and he broke me back immediately… But it’s in matches like this that I manage to push myself beyond my limits.’”

London ATP 500, other first-round results (Queen’s Club, grass, EUR 2.522.220, most recent results first):

• Gabriel Diallo beat Billy Harris (WC): 6-1, 3-6, 6-4
• Jaume Munar beat Jordan Thompson: 7-5 ret.
• Carlos Alcaraz (1) beat Adam Walton (LL): 6-4, 7-6 (4)
• Arthur Rinderknech (LL) beat Ben Shelton (6): 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4)
• Reilly Opelka beat Camilo Ugo Carabelli: 7-6 (6), 6-4
• Jack Draper (2) beat Jenson Brooksby: 6-3, 6-1
• Alexei Popyrin beat Aleksandar Vukic (Q): 6-2, 6-7 (9), 7-6 (3)
• Brandon Nakashima beat Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard: 6-7 (10), 7-6 (5), 6-4
• Jiri Lehecka beat Alex De Minaur (5): 6-4, 6-2
• Mackenzie McDonald (Q) beat Gael Monfils: 6-4, 6-4
• Jacob Fearnley beat Alex Bolt (Q): 6-2, 6-4
• Jakub Mensik (8) beat Cameron Norrie (WC): 7-6 (6), 1-6, 6-1
• Holger Rune (4) beat Christopher O’Connell (LL): 6-3, 6-4
• Daniel Evans (WC) beat Frances Tiafoe (7): 7-5, 6-2
• Roberto Bautista Agut beat Nuno Borges: 6-7 (6), 7-5, 6-4