Alexander Bublik Snubs Paris Masters Opponent, Skips Post-Match Handshake

Alexander Bublik stirred conversation during his first-round match at the Paris Masters by not shaking hands with fellow competitor Alexei Popyrin. Bublik, the No. 13 seed, secured a 6-4, 6-3 victory over the Australian on Monday and then bypassed the customary post-match handshake, opting instead to approach the umpire’s chair. This action left many fans questioning the reasoning behind his decision, especially since there were no visible conflicts during the match.

Bublik and Popyrin’s Match Highlights

The match featured an intense exchange, particularly in the second set. Bublik had initially broken early but faced challenges when Popyrin managed to break back after a thrilling rally, aided by some fortunate net cords. Popyrin celebrated his reclaiming of the serve without the usual gesture of apology, which possibly influenced Bublik’s decision to skip the handshake.

• Match Duration: 1 hour and 14 minutes
• Winners Hit by Bublik: 31
• Unforced Errors: 16

After the match, Bublik expressed mixed feelings about his performance. Although he was pleased to secure the win, he acknowledged that he had not played his best tennis. He stated, “It’s about winning when you’re not feeling well, especially in a new venue.” He also noted the differences in atmosphere compared to previous events held at Bercy.

Bublik’s Season Overview

The 28-year-old has experienced a resurgence in his career after falling out of the world’s top 80 earlier in the year. Key milestones in his season include:

• Finalist at the Phoenix Challenger
• Champion at the Turin Challenger
• Quarter-finalist at the French Open
• Title wins at Halle, Gstaad, Kitzbuhel, and Hangzhou

Currently ranked No. 16, Bublik is prioritizing his health with aspirations for a top-10 ranking. He remarked, “Staying healthy is key so I can play more events.” Bublik is focusing on his well-being while moving forward in the tournament schedule, including participation in Metz after Paris.

Goals Moving Forward

Bublik is aware of the competitive landscape in professional tennis, particularly with many players facing injuries. He emphasized the importance of capitalizing on opportunities whenever possible. “If I stay healthy, I can play great tennis,” he explained. His strategy includes managing his schedule wisely to ensure peak performance in crucial matches.

In conclusion, while Alexander Bublik’s decision to skip the handshake with Alexei Popyrin raised eyebrows, his focus remains on improving his game and maintaining his physical health as he progresses through the Paris Masters and beyond.