Corentin Moutet outlasts Holger Rune in gladiatorial battle in Rome
With its 18 towering Carrara marble statues encircling it, the Pietrangeli court at Foro Italico is one of the most iconic courts in the world.
Its sunken design evokes an ancient Roman amphitheatre, ready for battle and drama.
On a scorchingly-hot afternoon, the second match on this court couldn't have been more fittingly gladiatorial.
World No 83, Corentin Moutet of France defeated world No 10 Holger Rune of Denmark – 7-5, 5-7, 7-6 (7/4) – in a thrilling, hard-fought battle lasting three hours and 45 minutes. Both players gave it their all. History made
Fittingly, amid the historic statues representing Olympic athletes, history was made.
This was the fourth longest match in Rome since 1991. It was also the second longest best-of-three set match in Rome since 1991.
The noise from the increasingly raucous crowd reverberated around neighbouring courts attracting more fans.
Even fans in the neighbouring court – who were watching the Alexander Zverev vs Vilius Gaubas match – were seen from top of the Centre Court stadium seats, taking a peek at what was going on next door!
The two had faced each other before, with a one-all head-to-head record.
Moutet had won in Adelaide, 2022, Rune in Indian Wells earlier this year.
Today was about who came out clutch.
In the end, the valiant Frenchman won hearts, entertaining the crowds in return, with some scintillating shot making.
Rune didn't make it easy for him.
While Moutet looked confident in the first two sets, peppered with risky drop shots and lobs, the third set brought a change in momentum, and a more cautious Moutet.
The Dane showed some moments of brilliance, which started to break Moutet, denying the Frenchman three match point opportunities, as the nerves started to get the best of Moutet, who showed some tentativeness.
It was this third set tie-break that brought most of the drama, culminating in an 18-shot rally involving both players moving all over the court, before Moutet clinched match point.
It was Moutet's first top 10 win at the age of 26.
After the match, Moutet spoke of the challenges he'd faced in the match.
'It was so hard today. He (Rune) is such a great player. Even at the end when I had the break, he was still fighting, trying to find a way. It was incredibly hard today. First time on this court. It is beautiful and everybody is here for us. I don't know what to say. I fought so hard today and am very happy, so happy'.
He also spoke about the nerves of closing out the match.
'I was very tight on the match points. I think it is my first Top 10 win and I was so tight. The forehand didn't go from my racquet'.
Moutet's next opponent will be World No 5 Jack Draper from Great Britain on Tuesday.
Amisha Savani is reporting exclusively for The South African from the Internazionali BNL d'Italia at the Foro Italico, Rome.
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