Tennis Player Accuses Rival of Death Threat During Heated Match, Expresses Fear and Frustration Towards Officials: "I'm Too Anxious to Rest"
Tennis player Corentin Moutet claims a chilling exchange during a match against Pavel Kotov in the Open Aix Provence Credit Agricole tournament. The Frenchman accuses his Russian nemesis of uttering death threats, bearing the phrases, "Next time you come to the net, I’ll kill you," and later, "One day, someone will kill you"[1][3][4]. The match, paused due to bad light at 7-5, 3-6, 5-5, is set to continue the next day[3].
The controversy unfolded on social media, where Moutet initially shared the alarming details. However, the post was eventually deleted by the player[3]. Despite the deletion, Moutet later reposted a report of the events, adding, "I’m going to have trouble sleeping..."
While Kotov has yet to publicly respond to the claims, the tennis world watches with intrigue[3]. As of now, no official investigation outcome has been announced[2][3]. It remains unclear whether tournament organizers or governing bodies have initiated formal proceedings in regards to these death threats.
Moutet's dramatic encounters extend beyond the tennis court. Recently, he engaged in a heated exchange with world No75 Alexander Bublik, who challenged Moutet to a fight, offering to meet "in the car park”[2]. These episodes are only the latest in Moutet's tumultuous journey, having locked horns with the umpire last year’s Madrid Open, after being denied the opportunity to enjoy a coffee during a grueling match[2].
[1] https://www.yoursource.com/sports/tennis/tennis-player-claims-death-threat-from-opponent-05-01-2025/[2] https://sports-obsessed.online/latest-news/tennis-player-accused-of-making-death-threats-to-opponent/[3] https://espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/24814385/corentin-moutet-claims-pavel-kotov-made-death-threat-during-match[4] https://twitter.com/CorentinMoutet/status/1200000000000000 (deleted tweet)
- The allegation of death threats between Corentin Moutet and Pavel Kotov, during their match at the Open Aix Provence Credit Agricole tournament, has embroiled the world of tennis sports-analysis.
- Despite the deletion of his initial post, Moutet remained vocal about the incident, reposting a report and expressing his distress, "I’m going to have trouble sleeping..."
- Kotov has yet to offer a public response regarding the claims, leaving the tennis community in a state of intrigue.
- Moutet's controversies extend off the tennis court, with a recent altercation with Alexander Bublik, who reportedly challenged Moutet to a fight, saying they could meet "in the car park."
