Video: Tensions rise as Alexander Bublik rattles Felix Auger-Aliassime with underarm serve following VAR review in Dubai

It was business as usual at the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships on Tuesday, as Alexander Bublik resorted to his brand of hijinks in his bout against Felix Auger-Aliassime.

The first set of their opening round match proceeded to a tiebreak, with each player battling to gain the advantage. However, a controversial ruling during proceedings led to a moment of tension between the two players.

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Auger Aliassime asks for VAR review, much to Bublik's displeasure

At 6-6 in the tiebreak, Bublik hit an overhead that saw his opponent scramble to put back in play. However, a ball kid erroneously moved to get the ball before Auger-Aliassime could retrieve it. This led to the Canadian calling for a video review, with the replay showing that Auger-Aliassime was indeed hampered by the movement.

The umpire called for the point to be displayed, much to Bublik's dismay as he felt his opponent would not have kept the ball in play. However, the umpire stuck to her decision, and the point was replayed.

Obviously upset with the decision, Bublik opted to hit an underarm serve, which resulted in an ace as Auger-Aliassime was unable to react in time before the ball bounced twice. The Kazakhstani raised his hands in triumph, prompting the crowd to join him in celebration. However, Auger-Aliassime did not seem impressed, rolling his eyes at Bublik's antics. Nonetheless, it was the Canadian who would have the last laugh, winning the tiebreak before escaping with a 7-6(7) 6-7(4) 6-3 victory.

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