French tennis player Corentin Moutet experienced a tumultuous exit from the US Open on Tuesday, retiring mid-match against underdog Dane Sweeny. The incident occurred when Moutet, trailing by two sets and a break in the third, attempted to retire due to a wrist injury.
According to ATP rules, players must be assessed by a physiotherapist or tournament doctor before a mid-match retirement due to illness or injury can be officially granted. Moutet, ranked 62nd in the world, initially tried to retire without this assessment, leading to a discussion at the umpire's chair with both players and a supervisor. After insisting he did not require a trainer, Moutet was eventually permitted to retire from the match.
During the second set, Moutet received a racket abuse penalty for smashing his racket, an indication of his on-court frustration. He later explained that the persistent wrist pain, which has bothered him since the previous year, has impacted his ability to compete. "I tried to play, to push it every time. And that triggered pain elsewhere," Moutet stated, adding that he had taken a break in Cincinnati to prepare for the US Open. "I worked very hard physically, without playing tennis. It was long, it was hard, and it's frustrating not to be ready to play the last Grand Slam of the year."
Sweeny, ranked 162nd, secured the win and will advance to play Lorenzo Musetti in the second round. Sweeny mentioned that a daily cup of tea helps him maintain calmness amidst the busy environment of New York. "I think that’s really helped me lately to find some quiet space in this big city," he said.