Corentin Moutet fell to Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open and left the court with no excuses or illusions.
The Spaniard earned a 6-2, 6-4, 6-1 victory in two hours and five minutes at Rod Laver Arena for a place in the last 16.
🤩 Tweener, lob venu d'ailleurs, superbe volée et célébrations avec le public : Moutet a fait le show contre Alcaraz ! #HomeOfTennis #AusOpen pic.twitter.com/gnX9K6qyIN
— Eurosport France (@Eurosport_FR) January 23, 2026
The Frenchman tried to impose his shots and change the rhythm with slices, drop shots and lobs. However, world no. 1 was well-prepared for every challenge from the other side, controlling the scoreboard and sailing over the top.
Corentin was quick to acknowledge the clear difference in level, with the scoreboard confirming where he currently stands. The match highlighted how demanding is to exchange strokes with the top-tier players, especially on hard courts.
However, even with stronger initial shot, Moutet admitted he would not stand a chance against such a complete and powerful rival. Carlos stole 47% of the return points and provided eight breaks from 13 chances.
The Spaniard lost serve two times and controlled the scoreboard with nice shot-making. The Frenchman tried to lean on his strengths and disrupt rhythm, Alcaraz found answers and exposed gaps in their levels.
Corentin Moutet & Carlos Alcaraz, Australian Open 2026© Stream screenshot
Corentin left frustration aside and framed the defeat as a useful benchmark. Facing a player of Carlos' caliber offered clarity about necessary improvements, especially in his serving department.
The result provided direction. It turned a one-sided defeat into a reference point for future work and upgrades. Against one of the sport's complete packages, Moutet found honesty more valuable than false hope.
"I take away from this that I tried my best. However, Carlos was stronger than me – he was better than me, today and in general. It was a good test. I stepped onto the court to give my best and try to win.
However, I do not have the ability to do that – simple as that. It gives me some tools to get back to training, work hard, and continue to improve. The result is not surprising, as he was the favorite. I tried to use my strengths, but it was not enough.
The serve is crucial on hard courts, and I could not challenge him in that department. With or without that, I'm weaker than Carlos is every aspect of the game," Corentin Moutet said.
