Jack Draper braces for 'flary' Moutet clash in Rome: 'I kind of looked him when I was younger'

Jack Draper referred to his upcoming opponent, the 'flary' Corentin Moutet, whom he has never faced before, but whom the Brit knows well from his junior days. The Frenchman defeated Holger Rune in what was probably the best match of the Rome Open so far, 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(4) in three hours and 45 minutes.

The controversial French player has dazzled with a mix of talent and a strong personality, which has characterized him especially when he plays in the biggest stadiums. Moutet is known for an unpredictable style, alternating one-handed and two-handed backhands, as well as regularly using the underarm serve, in addition to a large number of dropshots and volleys that make him an interesting spectacle to watch.

After achieving his first victory against a top-10 player, Moutet reached the fourth round of a Masters 1000 for the first time in his career and secured his 10th victory after 19 appearances since 2019. With great confidence, Moutet will be ready to cause an upset against the world No. 5.

The Frenchman often plays in Challenger and ATP 250 tournaments, which is why he hadn't crossed paths with Draper, who at 23 is more experienced in these types of tournaments, especially after winning the title in Indian Wells and reaching the final in Madrid Open.

After Draper secured his place in the 4th round – after comfortably defeating Vit Kopriva in straight sets – he is preparing to face the always peculiar Moutet. The British No. 1 stated in an interview with Sky Sports that although they haven't faced each other before, he is very clear about his opponent's playing style and personality. “I have known him actually from very long time ago, under 14s so i kind of looked up to when i was younger, cause i think he won Tarbs or Aurea or something.”

"Yeah, i think is always been quite flary,” the British tennis player mentioned. “From what I seen here, I think he brings a lot to tennis to be honest, i think every time i watch him, it’s an interesting match and obviously done very well come through that one against Holger, so look forward for that battle.”

Moutet has had several controversies throughout his career, some well-remembered in recent years. Back in 2022, he was disqualified from the Adelaide International after a heated exchange with the chair umpire while facing Laslo Djere.

He also got into a strong argument with the crowd at the Chile Open, in a tense match where he defeated local hope Nicolas Jarry. Shortly after, he faced Jarry again, although this time as the home player at the French Open. Moutet posted on social media about the rematch against the Chilean: "Remember the welcome he received at home. I hope everyone will want to show him that this time we're at home. Be ready and loud. This is Paris."