Australian Open star accused of ‘playing to lose’ as opponent booed | Tennis | Sport

However, Moutet was met with jeers from the Melbourne crowd after choosing to use an underarm serve when on match point in the third set. The unconventional serve from Moutet appeared to catch Schoolkate – who is from Perth, Australia – off guard, who his his return out of bounds, which secured the victory for Moutet.

After the point and match was secured, Moutet ran towards the net and shook hands with Schoolkate, but there were audible jeers from the crowd at Show Court Arena.

Moutet went on to defend his decision to use an underarm serve, explaining why he chose the tactic at the decisive moment of the match. “I did it because I thought it would be I could win the point, which I won the point actually. Nothing else,” said Moutet.

“Of course, no disrespect or anything. You know, just, like, I could serve on the tee. I could [do] whatever. I decided to do this, so I thought it was the better option at this moment.”

Schoolkate’s exit saw him become the first Australian player to be knocked out of the men’s singles draw in this year’s tournament, and the performance from the 24-year-old was also the subject of criticism. Moutet won the match despite requiring a medical time out, with Channel 9 commentator Todd Woodbridge going on to criticise Schoolkate during play.

“You’re in a situation. You’re two sets to love down,” Woodbridge said during play on Channel 9.

“You’ve been down a break and your opponent gets an injury. What have you got to lose? He’s [Schoolkate] playing to lose here.

“Look, he’s playing as if he were up in a match and everything was on the line. He’s already been out of it. He shouldn’t be in this position.

“So, take it on, play the ball. Don’t play what’s happening at the other end of the court. Be smart.”