Alexander Bublik is known for his sometimes erratic behavior on court but it was the umpire who was almost at the center of controversy during the Kazakhstani's opening round match at the
Qatar Open.
The World No.31 faced Jozef Kovalik in the first round, and was leading 5-3 in the second set with Kovalik to serve. Perhaps the umpire's attention was elsewhere, as he awarded the Slovakian the point although Kovalik had clearly hit the volley wide.
However, this was not brought to his attention as he kept calling the wrong score till Bublik noticed he was down 15-40 when the score should have been tied at 30-30. The Montpellier champion voiced his concerns, supported by Kovalik no less, at which point the umpire realized his mistake and corrected the score.
Bublik would go on to win the match 6-2 6-4, securing his spot in the second round.