Tennis fans were left stunned after a tense exchange between two players following their match, where one player openly said, “Nobody likes you,” during what should have been a routine handshake. The moment quickly went viral on social media, with fans and analysts weighing in on the controversy.
This incident unfolded at a recent ATP Challenger event, where American tennis player Michael Mmoh defeated French player Corentin Moutet in a heated match. After Mmoh secured victory, both players approached the net for the traditional handshake. But instead of a civil conclusion, the match ended with Moutet muttering, “Nobody likes you,” directly to Mmoh.
The words were caught on camera and have since sparked wide debate across the tennis world. The match itself was already full of tension, with long rallies, emotional outbursts, and visible frustration from both players. But the post-match exchange took things to a new level.
Moutet is known for his fiery personality and has had run-ins with opponents in the past. This latest outburst isn’t the first time he’s made headlines for off-court drama. In previous matches, he’s been involved in arguments and even confrontations with fellow players and umpires. Mmoh, on the other hand, is typically seen as calm and composed, which made the contrast even more striking.
What made the situation more shocking was Mmoh’s calm response. He didn’t escalate the situation or engage further. Instead, he walked off the court without reacting, choosing to let the moment pass. Later, he shared a brief response on social media with a simple caption that read, “GGs,” short for “good game,” subtly showing he had no interest in fueling the drama.
Tennis players are generally expected to maintain sportsmanship, especially during handshakes. While matches can be intense, the handshake has always been a symbol of respect between competitors. When that respect breaks down, especially so publicly, it brings negative attention not just to the players but to the sport as a whole.
Fans have been divided. Some are criticizing Moutet for being unsportsmanlike and disrespectful. Others feel his emotions got the best of him and that such moments, while unfortunate, are a part of high-stakes competition. On platforms like Twitter and Instagram, thousands of users have commented on the incident, with opinions split. Some said Moutet crossed a line, while others argued he was just being brutally honest.
Fellow tennis players have also weighed in. A few current and former pros have emphasized the importance of mutual respect and how moments like these reflect poorly on the entire tennis community. Others, however, have admitted that rivalries and personal dislike aren’t uncommon but usually stay behind closed doors.
The ATP has not yet made a formal statement regarding the incident. However, repeated behavior like this from players can sometimes lead to fines or warnings, especially if it violates the code of conduct.
This event is a reminder of the emotional pressure professional athletes face. Tennis, being a solo sport, often demands mental toughness as much as physical skill. Players battle not just opponents but also their own emotions. That said, the line between passion and disrespect can’t be ignored.
Moutet has not apologized or clarified his comment so far. His camp has remained silent, which has only increased speculation. Whether or not he will be penalized remains to be seen, but the incident has already made a dent in his public image.
Meanwhile, Mmoh continues to rise in the rankings and seems unbothered by the drama. His mature response is being praised by many as the right way to handle such situations. Some fans believe that how a player reacts in such moments says more about them than their performance on the court.
This clash might not be the last we hear of this rivalry. If both players continue to advance through tournaments, they may end up facing each other again—and next time, the atmosphere will be even more charged. Fans will be watching closely to see how both athletes handle it if a rematch does happen.
While tennis has always had its share of heated moments, this particular incident is likely to be remembered not just for what was said—but for how it reflects the deeper tensions and personal dynamics that exist behind the scenes in the world of competitive sports.
