May 25, 2022
Paris, France
Press Conference
R. NADAL/C. Moutet
6-3, 6-1, 6-4
THE MODERATOR: How was it for your first time against this monster?
CORENTIN MOUTET: It was really intense. I had good moments, I had quite an equal game, but it was really difficult to maintain that in terms of intensity and of aggressiveness. His ball is really fast, so it was really, it was a physical match, it was not that long but it was really physical.
Q. Did you try to put aside the fact that he's your idol, right?
CORENTIN MOUTET: Well, you know, I came out to win just like any match and just wanted to use my weapons and use his weaknesses, although there aren't many, and I tried to do my best to win, but it wasn't enough today.
Q. Did you enjoy playing out there with the atmosphere out there?
CORENTIN MOUTET: Yeah, of course, you know, especially at Roland Garros, at the French Open, there's always a lot of crowd and I'm lucky enough to be able to play on these big courts and during the night session and to enjoy it. I think these were the ideal conditions.
Of course I'm a bit disappointed, just like any competitor, but I think it was a good match, but anyway there are lots of things to work on because it was quite a rough loss.
Q. So it was three sets, is it something that really impacts you?
CORENTIN MOUTET: Of course I'm disappointed, but, no, you know, I need to try and just do my best, try to go back on and get back to the gym and try to work a lot. There are lots of things to do and I'm going to work through out the year and I know what I need to work on, but of course it will be better next time.
Q. So did you enjoy it out there?
CORENTIN MOUTET: Well, yeah, it's the third time you've asked me the question, but, of course it was an objective for me to play against him before he retires and of course it was an objective to play against him in Roland Garros.
When I started playing tennis this is something I would never have dreamt of. Of course when one starts and plays in his bedroom, you can never imagine that one day you will play and it will be broadcast on TV. So if I just sit back and put aside the fact I'm disappointed because I lost, you know, it's unbelievable to be where I'm at now.
Q. And of course you'll remember these unbelievable points that you've played.
CORENTIN MOUTET: Yes, of course. It was a great atmosphere and I tried to enjoy it as much as possible. The audience was really kind to me and it's a unique moment that belongs to me and I'll keep that forever.
Q. You were talking about the fact that you had regrets, especially in the third set, you broke him and he broke you and then you came back at 5-3.
CORENTIN MOUTET: Well, you know, I was leading 2-Love, 30-15, it would have been a good opportunity, but there was still a long way. And even if I had broken him, you need to fight on every single point.
I would have liked to have spent a little more time, but I really enjoyed it, I would have spent the whole night playing against him, but it was really quick.
Q. Is his ball really different than the rest of the players on tour?
CORENTIN MOUTET: Yes, it's really different. It bounces really high and what's also impressive is the way he gets by defending and he always makes you play the extra shot. And he's really powerful and he doesn't miss anything, that's really complicated and makes it really intense and physical.
Q. And then in terms of his level, what do you think?
CORENTIN MOUTET: Well, don't worry, he's got 21 Grand Slams in his pocket, you know, he's still out there and he's got nothing to prove here in Paris to prove that he's the best.
FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports
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