Alexander Bublik joked about hoping to never play against Hubert Hurkacz again after their match at the National Bank Canadian Open in Toronto.

Kazakhstani No. 1 Bublik went out in his opening round at the ATP 1000 event, losing to fifteenth seed and former world No. 9 Hurkacz in straight sets 6-3, 7-6(2).

The Polish player broke early on in the match, winning the first set fairly easily. Bublik fought back in the second set but Hurkacz's quick responses ultimately meant he won the match after sealing the tiebreak.

This marks the third time this year that the two players have faced each other on the court, and the third time that Hurkacz has emerged victorious.

The pair's first match this season saw them representing their countries' teams at the United Cup of Australia, where the Polish player won in three sets 7-6(8), 4-6, 6-3.

Following this, the two men played against each other in the semi-finals of the Marseilles Open, where the world No. 17 won once again, this time in straight sets 6-4, 7-6 (4). 

After yet another loss to Hurkacz in Toronto, Bublik jokingly expressed his frustration as the two men shook hands and walked over to the umpire's chair.

"I never want to face you again in my f*cking life," the 26-year-old said. 

Hurkacz can be seen laughing in response as the two players shake hands with the chair umpire.

A video clip of the funny interaction was shared on social media by Tennis TV, and many fans expressed their amusement.

"Bublik being Bublik," one wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter, following their comment up with a laughing emoji. Meanwhile, another expressed their joy at Hurkacz's success.

"Hubi is back, I am so happy for him," they posted.

Hurkacz will go on to face Miomir Kecmanovic in the second round of the tournament.