Controversial Endings Mark Opening Day in Paris

By Richard Pagliaro | Monday, October 27, 2025
Photo credit: Tennis TV Screenshot

The City of Light saw some jolting endings on opening day of the Rolex Paris Masters.

Alexander Bublik beat Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-3 on Court No. 1 then blew off the Aussie in the customary post-match handshake.

The 13th-seeded Bublik, apparently annoyed Popyrin did not apologize for a couple of net-cord shots in the third game of the second set, did not even attempt to engage the Aussie afterward. Instead, Bublik walked right to the chair umpire Nacho Forcadell to shake hands before packing his racquet bag.

Sans 🤝

Alexander Bublik tops Alexei Popyrin 6-4 6-3 to reach round two in Paris. #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/aWxlHdytR9

Tennis Express

Grass-Court RacquetsThe frames the pros swing

Shop racquets →— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 27, 2025

A few fans booed at the indiscretion, but they were drowned out by a predominantly cheering crowd on Court No. 1.

Later, on Court No. 2, Zizou Bergs beat American Alex Michelsen 6-3, 2-6, 6-2. That defeat prompted Michelsen, now coached by Bergs’ former coach, to take out his frustrations on his Babolat stick.

Agony & Ecstasy 🔥@ZizouBergs gets past Michelsen 6-3 2-6 6-2 to set round 2 clash with Jannik Sinner at #RolexParisMasters pic.twitter.com/5pcCf54y0V

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 27, 2025

Watch Michelsen smash his racquet with a fury, while Bergs dances in celebration before taking a victory leap.

Both fiery finishes could be caused by player frustration playing the final Masters 1000 event after a long and grueling season or perhaps today’s combatants just don’t have a lot of love for their opponents.