'Why should I?': Alexei Popyrin receives handshake rejection after perceived poor sportsmanship
- Christian Montegan

- 3 hours ago
- 1 min read

Alexei Popyrin suffered his fourth consecutive defeat overnight, as he bowed out in the first round of the Paris Masters to Alexander Bublik.
Popyrin, who hasn't registered a win since the opening round of the US Open at the end of August, was outclassed 4-6, 3-6 in the French capital.
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But it was Bublik's actions post-match that caused a stir, when he walked straight to the chair umpire after match point without shaking Popyrin's hand.
The crowd inside Court 1 was left far from impressed, as they dished out a chorus of boos.
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When asked about the incident, Bublik referred to Popyrin celebrating two net-cords without issuing an apology.
"There's tennis etiquette... If [my opponent] doesn't follow it, why should I?" Bublik said in Russian during a post-match interview.
There was better news on the Aussie front for qualifier Aleksandar Vukic, who conquered France's Terence Atmane 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
The victory sets up a clash against fourth seed Taylor Fritz.
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