Bublik, seeded No. 13, defeated Popyrin 6–4, 6–3 in just 78 minutes on the indoor courts of Accor Arena, advancing to the second round of the Rolex Paris Masters. But instead of the customary handshake at the net, Bublik walked straight to the umpire and exited the court, leaving fans and commentators puzzled.
Bublik explains his decision
Many believed the incident stemmed from a moment during the match when Popyrin won a point after two net cord deflections and celebrated without offering the traditional apology. Bublik later confirmed that this was the reason behind his refusal to shake hands.
“Well, precisely because if someone hangs two ropes and doesn’t apologize, but celebrates as if they’ve won something… I just don’t see anything wrong with that. I think any reasonable person would have done the same in my place,” Bublik said after the match.
He emphasized that tennis has an unwritten code of respect, and if one player disregards it, the other isn’t obligated to uphold it either.
“They can celebrate and then apologize. I’m not the kind of person to cling to that, but they apologize for it. There’s a code, there’s some kind of etiquette. If someone doesn’t adhere to it, why should I adhere to another?” he added.
Mixed reactions and what’s next
The incident sparked debate online, with some defending Bublik’s stance and others criticizing the lack of sportsmanship. Popyrin has not commented publicly.
Bublik now prepares to face the winner of Reilly Opelka versus Corentin Moutet in the next round, as he continues his campaign in Paris amid growing attention—not just for his tennis, but for his principles.
Alexei Popyrin in 2025
Ranked no.47, Alexei played his last match on the 27th of October when he lost to world no.16 Alexander Bublik 6-4 6-3 in the 1st round in Paris (draw).
This season the Australian has achieved an overall 17-23 win-loss record.
He is also scheduled to play in Athens (Hellenic Championship) on the 2nd of November.
ATP Paris - Alexander Bublik's projected path
Bublik in Paris, ranking, and results in 2025
Currently ranked no.16 (career-high), the Kazakhstani has a composed 45-22 record in 2025. Bublik is now playing in Paris where he toppled the world no.47 Alexei Popyrin 6-4 6-3.
Bublik conquered 5 titles in 2025 in the Turin Challenger, Halle, Gstaad, Kitzbuhel and Hangzhou. Bublik was the runner-up in the Phoenix Challenger.
Bublik won 8 titles in his career: 1 on hard courts, 2 on clay courts, 3 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
He is also scheduled to play in Metz (Moselle Open). The main draw will start on the 2nd of November.
Alexei Popyrin and Alexander Bublik played each other 5 times. Their actual record is 3-2 for Popyrin.