The arrival of the 2025 Paris Masters might signal the end of the tennis season, but it’s certainly not failing to entertain. Within the round of 64, one could sense the passion radiating through every rally. Such was the case in the showdown between Alexander Bublik and Alex Popyrin on Monday, where controversy erupted after the Russian-Kazakhstani star secured a 6-4, 6-3 win, snubbing the Australian for a handshake. While it has left many wondering about the reason behind his actions, it’s actually quite similar to the drama Taylor Townsend faced at the US Open.
Adressing this fresh incident, Alexander Bublik was seen directly heading towards the chair umpire, skipping the customary handshake with his rival and later walking to the center of the stage to acknowledge the gathering. As this remained a mystery, it was only a matter of time before the 28-year-old himself revealed the reason.
“Well, precisely because if someone hangs two ropes and doesn’t apologize, but celebrates as if they’ve won something… I just don’t see anything wrong with that. I think any reasonable person would have done the same in my place, that is, if I had ever done the same,” said Bublik after the game, as compiled by Champion AT.
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“They can celebrate and then apologize. I’m not the kind of person to cling to that, but they apologize for it. There’s a code, there’s some kind of etiquette. If someone doesn’t adhere to it, why should I adhere to another?” He added.
(This is a developing story…)
Alexander Bublik Snubs Alex Popyrin for the Same Reason As Taylor Townsend’s US Open Drama
