Corentin Moutet Upsets Alexei Popyrin in Australian Open First Round

The 69th-ranked Frenchman defeats the 24th-ranked Australian in a grueling four-set match, advancing to face qualifier Mitchell Krueger in the second round.

Corentin Moutet defeated Alexei Popyrin, the 24th-ranked player and 2024 Canadian Masters champion, in four sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-4, 6-4) in the Australian Open's first round.
The match lasted over 3.5 hours, with Moutet capitalizing on Popyrin's physical struggles, including back pain that required medical attention during the second set.
Moutet showcased remarkable defensive skills, including an exceptional point in the first set featuring a recovery from a lob and a precise passing shot.
This victory marks Moutet as the eighth and final Frenchman to advance to the tournament's second round out of 13 participants in the men's draw.
Moutet will face American qualifier Mitchell Krueger, ranked 146th, in the second round as he aims to reach the third round of the Australian Open for the first time in his career.