PARIS — The usually routine post-match handshake was conspicuously absent at the Rolex Paris Masters on Tuesday, as Kazakhstan's Alexander Bublik created surprising scenes by pointedly ignoring his opponent, French veteran Adrian Mannarino. Following his 6-4, 6-4 first-round victory, Bublik walked directly to the umpire's chair, bypassing Mannarino at the net, in a breach of tennis etiquette that left spectators and commentators stunned.
The incident occurred immediately after Bublik secured the final point on Court 1. Instead of the customary meeting at the net, the 26-year-old turned his back on Mannarino and made a beeline for the official. Mannarino, left standing alone, offered a bemused shrug to the crowd before collecting his belongings and exiting the court. The snub was not lost on the Parisian audience, who responded with a chorus of boos directed at the victorious Bublik.
A History of Tension and a Pointed Message
While the reason for the snub was not immediately clear, the pair have a recent and somewhat contentious history. Just weeks prior, at the Shanghai Masters, Bublik had defeated Mannarino in a tight three-set match. During that encounter, Bublik was visibly frustrated by what he perceived as gamesmanship from the Frenchman, including a disputed line call and perceived delays. In his post-match press conference in Paris, Bublik was cryptic but pointed, stating, "Some things are better left unsaid. Everyone saw what happened. I have my reasons."
Tennis analysts were quick to dissect the move. Former player and commentator Mark Petchey noted on broadcast, "This is highly uncharacteristic for Bublik in the sense that he's usually a showman who plays to the crowd. To so blatantly ignore the handshake suggests something significant transpired, either during the match or in their previous encounter. It's a clear message, and not a pleasant one." The ATP rulebook, while emphasizing sportsmanship, does not explicitly mandate a handshake, leaving the act largely as an unwritten rule of professional courtesy.
The Aftermath: Mannarino's Reaction and Fan Backlash
Adrian Mannarino, for his part, handled the situation with a typically phlegmatic demeanor. When questioned by French media, the 35-year-old downplayed the incident. "It's his choice," Mannarino said with a slight shake of his head. "I went to the net. He did not. That's all. I'm not going to lose sleep over it. I have more important things to focus on, like the rest of my season."
The reaction on social media, however, was far less forgiving. Fans and pundits alike criticized Bublik's actions as disrespectful and poor sportsmanship. The incident quickly became a trending topic, with many drawing comparisons to other infamous handshake snubs in tennis history. The backlash highlights the weight the tennis world places on this tradition. Key criticisms levied against Bublik included:
- A lack of respect for his opponent and the sport's traditions.
- Setting a poor example for younger players and fans.
- Unnecessary drama and negativity.
A smaller contingent of supporters argued that players should not be forced into a gesture of sportsmanship if genuine animosity exists, suggesting the handshake can sometimes feel hollow. Nevertheless, the consensus was that Bublik's actions crossed a line. Renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou commented on X (formerly Twitter), "The handshake is a symbol of our sport. You can be furious, you can be disappointed, but you respect the ritual."
Not the First Time: A Pattern of On-Court Controversy
This is not the first time Alexander Bublik has found himself at the center of controversy. Known for his mercurial talent and unpredictable nature, the Kazakh star has a history of on-court outbursts and unconventional behavior. Earlier this season, he was heavily criticized for a lack of effort in a match in Marseille, where he appeared to deliberately lose a game in under one minute. He has also been fined for audible obscenities and racket abuse on multiple occasions.
However, the handshake snub represents a different kind of transgression—one of personal disrespect rather than a loss of self-control. It follows a pattern of similar incidents in recent tennis memory. Most notably, Novak Djokovic's father was filmed not shaking hands with a Croatian player's team at the Davis Cup, and Nick Kyrgios has had several tense, minimal-contact net encounters. Bublik's act was distinct in its complete and unambiguous avoidance.
Potential Consequences from the ATP
The immediate question now is whether the ATP will take disciplinary action. The governing body for men's tennis has a "Code of Conduct" that covers "Unsportsmanlike Conduct." While the rule is subject to interpretation, a deliberate and public snub of this nature could be deemed a violation. An ATP spokesperson stated, "We are aware of the incident and are reviewing it as per our standard protocols." Potential outcomes could range from a formal warning to a fine, though a suspension is considered highly unlikely for a first-time offense of this specific nature.
The incident casts a shadow over what was otherwise a strong performance from Bublik, who served 18 aces and broke Mannarino's serve three times to secure his place in the second round. He is scheduled to face either J.J. Wolf or a qualifier next. All eyes will be on that match's conclusion to see if Bublik reverts to tradition or if this marks a new, more contentious chapter in his career.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Handshake
The post-match handshake in tennis is a symbolic gesture that signifies the end of battle and a return to mutual respect, regardless of the on-court result. Alexander Bublik's decision to ignore Adrian Mannarino was therefore more than a simple breach of protocol; it was a public rejection of that core principle. While the full story behind the snub may never be fully known, the act itself has ignited a fierce debate about sportsmanship, personal animosity, and the unwritten rules that bind the sport together.
As the Paris Masters continues, the fallout from this moment will be closely watched. Whether it serves as a catalyst for a conversation about player conduct or simply becomes a footnote in the history of tennis controversies remains to be seen. For now, the image of a bewildered Adrian Mannarino at the net and a resolute Alexander Bublik walking away serves as a powerful reminder that in professional sports, the battles are not always confined to the lines of the court.