Drama and underarm aces: Felix Auger-Aliassime edges Bublik

A contentious VAR (Video Assistant Referee) decision and an underarm ace highlight the win Felix Auger-Aliassime had over Alexander Bublik at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

In a first-round clash at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Bublik delivered high drama, culminating in a 7-6(7), 6-7(4), 6-3 victory for the Canadian. The match’s pivotal moment occurred during the first-set tiebreak at 6-6, when Auger-Aliassime requested a VAR review after a ball kid’s premature movement appeared to impede his play. The chair umpire upheld the hindrance claim, leading to a replay of the point—a decision that left Bublik visibly frustrated.

In response to the replayed point, Bublik surprised both his opponent and the audience with an underarm serve that resulted in an ace, drawing mixed reactions from the crowd. Despite this bold tactic, Felix Auger-Aliassime maintained his composure, ultimately securing the first set as Bublik double-faulted on set point. The tension between the players was palpable, with Auger-Aliassime gesturing to the crowd, seemingly questioning the earlier support for his opponent.

The match continued to be fiercely competitive, with Bublik taking the second set in a tiebreak. However, Auger-Aliassime’s resilience shone through in the deciding set, where he broke Bublik’s serve to clinch the match. This victory propels Auger-Aliassime into the second round, where he is set to face Portugal’s Nuno Borges. This controversial complaint from Felix has mixed reactions from fans, with some thinking he would never make the ball even if the ball kid was there and some thinking it is a clear hinderance.

Inside the Baseline…