Tensions flared once again between Alexander Bublik and Corentin Moutet as the two faced off in the second round of the Paris Masters. Their history dates back to a fiery encounter at the Phoenix Challenger earlier this year, where a heated post-match exchange nearly escalated into a physical altercation. This time, the drama unfolded both on and off the court, with Bublik emerging victorious and delivering another sharp verbal jab.
Bublik dominates the match and the narrative
Bublik secured a straight-sets win, 6-3, 7-5, on Center Court at La Défense Arena. But it wasn’t just his tennis that made headlines. After the match, the Kazakh player signed the camera lens with the words “on the way home,” a pointed message aimed at Moutet, who had reportedly vowed to do everything to send Bublik packing.
Speaking to ATP Media, Bublik didn’t hold back: “Well obviously he spoke too much before the match. I just have to punish him. I had no other option”. He added with a smirk, “He said that he will do everything to send me home. It’s nice that he lives in Paris and it’s not too far with the taxi”.
Moutet’s words come back to haunt him
Moutet, known for his fiery temperament and emotional style of play, had reportedly used strong words ahead of the match, fueling the already simmering rivalry. His comments seemed to motivate Bublik, who played with focus and flair, keeping his composure even as the atmosphere grew tense.
A clash of personalities
The Bublik-Moutet saga is quickly becoming one of the more colorful rivalries on the ATP Tour. Their contrasting styles—Bublik’s unpredictable brilliance and Moutet’s gritty intensity—make for compelling tennis and even more compelling narratives. While Bublik walked away with the win and the last word this time, the animosity between the two suggests this won’t be their final chapter.
Looking ahead
With the win, Bublik advances to the round of 16 in Paris, continuing a strong run of form. Moutet, meanwhile, will have to regroup and reflect on both his performance and his pre-match comments. If their paths cross again, fans can expect another fiery encounter—both with the racquet and the microphone.
Corentin Moutet in 2025
At the moment ranked no.32 (career-high), the French player played his last match on the 29th of October when he was overcome by world no.16 Alexander Bublik 6-3 7-5 in the 2nd round in Paris (draw).
This season the French player has managed to achieve a compiled 41-28 win-loss record. Corentin Moutet’s most significant result of the current year was getting to the final in Mallorca and Almaty.
He is also scheduled to play in Metz (Moselle Open). The main draw will start on the 2nd of November.
ATP Paris - Alexander Bublik's projected path
Bublik in Paris, ranking, and results in 2025
At the moment ranked no.16 (career-high), Bublik owns an overall 46-22 match record in 2025. Bublik is currently having a run in Paris where he conquered the world no.47 Alexei Popyrin 6-4 6-3 and the world no.32 Corentin Moutet 6-3 7-5.
Alexander Bublik will face the world no.4 Taylor Fritz in the 3rd round on Thursday at 4:00 pm on COURT CENTRAL. Their record is 3-3.
The Kazakhstani conquered 5 titles in 2025 in the Turin Challenger, Halle, Gstaad, Kitzbuhel and Hangzhou. Alexander reached the final in the Phoenix Challenger.
The Kazakhstani 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.
Corentin Moutet and Alexander Bublik faced off 4 times. Their current record is 4-0 for Bublik.