Corentin Moutet, 24, says a lot can be learned from Rafael Nadal as the Frenchman felt it was a dream come true when he got to play his idol at the French Open in 2024. Moutet, 24, grew up watching and idolizing Nadal. Last year, Moutet’s childhood dream of playing Nadal became a reality after he defeated Stan Wawrinka to set up a French Open second-round match against the Spaniard.
In his first-ever meeting against Nadal, Moutet suffered a 6-3 6-1 6-4 loss. In an interview with Tennis Magazin, Moutet was asked to explain why he idolizes Nadal. “That’s correct. He is special in every aspect: his game, fitness and mentality.
It shows me that you can be ambitious, proud of your achievements and humble at the same time. That’s a good combination. When I got to play against him on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros in 2022, it was a little boy’s dream come true,” Moutet said.
Moutet felt nothing but happiness after meeting Nadal
Even though Moutet was ousted by Nadal in straight sets in their 2022 French Open meeting, the Frenchman left the court with only positive thoughts and memories. “It was lucky to play against someone like him in Paris, where he has displayed the best level of his career.
It is the biggest challenge I can find in tennis. I am very proud to have won the previous matches and move up in the ranking. It was a great experience. I went out there to win of course, that’s my job and my ambitious mentality, but at the same time, I was happy to be there.
I have no regrets from this match,” Moutet said last year. This year, Nadal’s French Open participation is in doubt. It remains to be seen if and when Moutet will get another chance to play against Nadal.
