Corentin Mouta scored his 28th win Wednesday in Almaty, bringing Alexander Shevchenko 7-5, 6-3 to reach the quarter-finals.
The Frenchman returned from the double division to the opening set to improve 4-0 life against Shevchenko with another bold, determined effort.
The 26-year-old has now gathered twice as many wins than he was in every other season in the tournament (28-21), as well as his first two victories, and he explained what he believes is the secret of his success after his victory.
“The difference is that this year I was not hurt,” he said. “We’ve worked hard with my team. It was frustrating because in recent years I couldn’t play a full year … I was sure if I avoid damage because I am very serious and dedicated to this sport, I would have a great year.”
This is certainly part of it.
Sometimes the last in 2023, Mout was so down physically as he was playing with a one -hand back while healing from ankle surgery. The back road has been difficult, but this year he has been able to play in 22 events, hit the first 40 places for the first time and make his Davis Cup debut for France, where he won both of his bachelors’ matches.
Is more likely to be for him than good health. Mouts are also mature as a competitor, and preventing distractions from affecting him during matches. He is still artistic and passionate, but now his mental severity has become an important part of his identity as well.
He has been a joy to see this season, and if he holds it, he can one day take his place in the first 20 places, and he will surely find a way to win a tour. He was close to Mallorca this summer, where he reached his first final since 2020.
Mouts will take over or Karen Khachanov or Jan-Lennard Struff in Almaty.
In other shares on Wednesday at the ATP 250 event in Kazakhstan, James Duckworth was annoyed last year’s competitor Gabriel Diallo 7-6 (3) 6-4 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals, while Flavio Cobolli brought Rinky Hijikata 6-4, 7-5, also to reach the last eight.
Jan-Lennard Struffi removed Meckenzie McDonald to set a second round collision with Daniil Medvedev, while Fabian Marozsan (d. Nakashima), Alex Michelsen (d. Zhukayev), Shintaro Mochizuki (d. Cazaux) also advanced.
