(VIDEO) Alexander Bublik snubs Popyrin handshake after straight-sets win in Paris
ATPTuesday, 28 October 2025 at 09:23
Alexander Bublik refused to shake hands with his opponent Alexei Popyrin after securing a 6-4, 6-3 victory at the Paris Masters. The 28-year-old Kazakh won the match without major complications, in a duel where no major controversies were apparent, but which ended without a handshake.
The world No. 16 once again showed his strong character in the first round in Paris. After securing the victory, he went directly to greet the umpire, skipping the handshake at the net with Popyrin. Subsequently, he quickly walked to the center of the court to greet the public.
The reason, it seems, is that Popyrin celebrated a couple of points he won thanks to a net cord, something that may not have sat well with the Kazakh. Although there were no major conflicts during the match, Popyrin and Bublik had already had a somewhat strained handshake at the Madrid Open (also won by Bublik in straight sets), where they exchanged some comments that are not audible in the broadcasts.
Thus, the head-to-head record stands at 2-2 – after the two wins by Bublik in their meetings this year. Previously, Popyrin had won in Doha 2024 and in the Singapore 2021 final, when both players were looking for their first professional title: the Australian in his first final, while the Kazakh came from losses in the three previous finals he had played.
Service dominance propels Bublik past Popyrin
Bublik arrived as the favorite for the match against Popyrin, amidst a great year that sees him as world No. 16 with 4 titles this season. The Kazakh once again imposed himself through service effectiveness, winning 89% of points with his first serve and totaling 13 aces – well above the 74% of first serve points won by Popyrin, who also achieved 3 aces.
Between two strong servers, there were not many break opportunities throughout the match. In the first set, Popyrin saved two break points against him in the 6th game and then wasted two break opportunities in the following game. Bublik maintained his composure and achieved the crucial break late in the set, taking a 6-4 lead in a set that had been evenly matched with both players imposing themselves on serve.
In the second set, things changed after Bublik secured an early break and quickly took the lead. The Kazakh had won 4 games in a row, and with a 2-0 advantage, he seemed headed for the victory. However, Popyrin reacted and recovered the break, managing to tie at 2-2. Nevertheless, the Kazakh took control of the match from there on, taking four of the next 5 games and closing out the victory 6-4, 6-3 after one hour and 15 minutes.
Match Statistics Popyrin vs. Bublik
| Popyrin | VS | Bublik |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 3 | Aces | 13 |
| 3 | Double Faults | 4 |
| 61% (35/57) | 1st Service Percentage | 62% (36/58) |
| 74% (26/35) | 1st Service Points Won | 89% (32/36) |
| 41% (9/22) | 2nd Service Points Won | 32% (7/22) |
| 40% (2/5) | Break Points Saved | 75% (3/4) |
| 67% (6/9) | Service Games | 90% (9/10) |
| Return | ||
| 11% (4/36) | 1st Return Points Won | 26% (9/35) |
| 68% (15/22) | 2nd Return Points Won | 59% (13/22) |
| Other | ||
| 1h 15m | Match Duration | 1h 15m |
Bublik nears Top-15 debut; potential rematch with Corentin Moutet nex
Bublik stretches his 2025 record to 34-20, having won four titles so far. The Kazakh is currently ranked No. 15 in the live ranking – which would potentially be his debut in the top-15 should he maintain his position by the end of the tournament. In the second round, he is still waiting to find out his opponent between the American Reilly Opelka (Lucky Loser) or the Frenchman Corentin Moutet.
It was precisely against Moutet that he had a heated altercation months ago, when, after a tense encounter, they were on the verge of coming to blows, with Bublik urging Moutet to fight and being separated by the umpire.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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