Corentin Moutet received a $40,000 fine from the ATP Tour for unsportsmanlike conduct after swearing seven times during a post-match interview at the HSBC Championships.
American tennis star Danielle Collins has now weighed in on the hefty fine levied against the Frenchman, which has left the tennis community divided.
Danielle Collins Shares Thoughts on Corentin Moutet’s $40,000 Fine
Moutet was fined by the ATP Tour for his comments after defeating Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard in the first round of the HSBC Championships. The fine was close to what he earned in prize money for reaching the second round of the tournament, leading to debate over whether the penalty was too harsh.
Collins was asked to share her take on the fine on “The Big T” podcast. The 32-year-old former tennis player said the words used by Moutet did not bother her because they lacked any malice.
“The profanity, it doesn’t bother me as much, especially when it’s not done in a malicious way. It wasn’t like he told the lady to [expletive] off. He was kind of saying it in reaction to how he was playing and what was going on. It kind of just seems like a silly moment… But I guess I get it. There are kids in the crowd,” Collins said.
Collins also shared a unique idea for how the ATP Tour could punish players by requiring them to perform community service rather than imposing financial penalties.
“My only thing is, how do they come up with these numbers? $40,000. Sam Querrey told me some of the fines go towards charity, which is kind of cool. I think if you’re a repeat offender and you keep getting fined, we should make these players do community service.”
She suggested, “Picking up trash on the side of the highway or spending time with sick children or elderly people, potentially scanning badges at Wimbledon. It could be great for the community and a great way to teach people that the sport is bigger than just yourself.”
“If you get held with the task of cleaning toilet bowls, you’re going to think about it before you smash your racket against the chair umpire’s chair.”
The comments from Collins come months after she claimed that Moutet had been messaging her on Instagram. Moutet was quick to deny these claims.
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Meanwhile, Moutet announced his intention to appeal the fine, sending the case to the ATP Tour Compliance Committee. The 27-year-old has endured a difficult 2026 so far and could drop out of the top 40 when the ATP Tour rankings are updated next week.
Seeded sixth in Mallorca, Moutet lost to Abedallah Shelbayh earlier this week in a big blow to his hopes of finding some momentum ahead of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships.
