Corentin Moutet and Quentin Halys, two French ATP stars, have come to Carlos Alcaraz’s support after the Spaniard was brutally criticised by a popular television and radio personality.
On his show Super Moscato Show, actor and former rugby union player Vincent Moscato compared to the Spaniard as a “crumbling candy cane” and predicted that the two-time major winner will only win three major titles.
On social media, world No. 83 Moutet and world No. 188 Halys chastised Moscato for his inflammatory comments.
When asked about the forthcoming French Open, Moscato, who has played four times for France, including against England, said that he believes Novak Djokovic will win.
However, he directed some harsh comments at world number three Alcaraz while doing so.
Moscato stated: “We’re not going to get bored; it’s in the old pots that we cook the delicious soups, so I believe Djoko is the thing, and with all the injured folks, I’m putting a post on Djokovic.
“Poor Alcaraz is like a crumbling candy cane.” His forearm hurts; it looks like a 78-year-old man’s game. At the age of 20, your arm does not hurt very much.
“Alcaraz, do you consider him Nadal’s successor? Listen, I’ll eat a rat if he becomes a successor. He will win three Grand Slams and no more. He is the successor to Henri Leconte.
On donne trop la parole à des gens sans aucun connaissance du haut niveau
Assis dans leur siège et en plus payé pour dire n’importe quoi
Alala https://t.co/5N83CCKCda— Corentin Moutet (@moutet99) May 7, 2024
Moutet, who will compete in the main draw of his home Grand Slam later this month, responded quickly to the inflammatory statements.
On Twitter/X, he commented, “We give too much of a voice to those who lack high-level understanding. Sitting in their seats, paid to say anything. Alala.”
Halys said, “RIDICULOUS GROTESQUE NULL PATHETIC.”
The world No. 188 also responded to another comment on the article, describing Moscato’s remarks as “rude words.”
Moscato’s remarks appear to be addressed at Alcaraz’s current arm ailment, which has forced him to withdraw from the Italian Open, as well as the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open.
😅🐀 ” Alcaraz, vous le voyez successeur de Nadal ?? Écoute-moi, je mange un rat si un jour, c’est un successeur. Il va faire trois Grands Chelems, pas plus. C’est le successeur d’Henri Leconte !”
🗣 Le cri de gueule de Moscato sur le successeur de Nadal. pic.twitter.com/JLmgcJpoN3
— Super Moscato Show (@Moscato_Show) May 6, 2024
The Spaniard’s arm issue worsened following his quarterfinal loss to Andrey Rublev at the Madrid Open last week, where he was the two-time defending champion.
In announcing his withdrawal from Rome, he stated, “I noticed soreness in my arm after playing in Madrid. I had several tests today, and the results showed that I have muscular edoema in the pronator teres as a result of my previous injuries.
“Unfortunately, I will be unable to play in Rome. I need to rest so I can heal and play without pain.”
Alcaraz will not compete again until Roland Garros, when he reached the semi-finals 12 months ago.