Alexander Bublik Challenges Corentin Moutet to a Fight After Heated Match in Phoenix
Alexander Bublik caused a stir at last week’s Phoenix Challenger, but it wasn’t just his performance that grabbed headlines. The Kazakh star, known for his fiery temperament, found himself at the center of a heated post-match altercation with Corentin Moutet during their quarter-final clash.
After an already tense battle on the court, Bublik and Moutet shared an icy handshake at the net. However, the tension escalated when Bublik approached Moutet as he packed up his belongings, challenging him to a fight.
“Ten minutes outside? Let’s go. We have a fight?” Bublik taunted, prompting the chair umpire and tournament supervisor to intervene.
Heated Exchange Caught on Camera
Both Bublik and Moutet are known for their emotional outbursts on court, and their Phoenix showdown was no exception. The drama began when Bublik was preparing to serve, only for Moutet to claim he wasn’t ready.
“I don’t give a s*,”** Bublik fired back before continuing with play as normal. Despite losing the first set, the world No. 80 mounted a comeback, winning 2-6, 7-6(4), 7-5 to secure his place in the semi-finals.
But the hostilities didn’t end with the final point. As Moutet sat courtside, Bublik continued to provoke him. “The French kid is speaking, and he doesn’t want to fight. Let’s go, we meet in 10 minutes outside,” he added, further fueling the altercation.
Jack Sock Weighs In
Retired American player Jack Sock later discussed the incident on his Nothing Major podcast.
“He offered it, Bublik said, ‘Let’s go to the parking lot!’” Sock recalled. “He goes, ‘Do you wanna fight?’ And Corentin Moutet, like, started laughing… but I think Bublik was actually ready to take the gloves off and go.”
Bublik Moves On, Falls in the Final
Despite the post-match drama, Bublik quickly refocused and returned the next day to defeat top seed and two-time defending champion Nuno Borges 6-3, 6-4 in the semi-finals.
However, his run ended in the final, where he fell to 18-year-old Brazilian sensation Joao Fonseca. In a tight contest, Fonseca edged Bublik in two tiebreak sets to claim his third title of the season.
While there was no love lost between Bublik and Moutet, the Kazakh had nothing but praise for his teenage opponent. “I can say that tennis is in good hands. Joao, you are the future of the sport. I wish you much success,” he told Fonseca after the match.
