Alexander Bublik and Corentin Moutet Engage in a Feud of Words at Paris Masters
Alexander Bublik doesn’t do subtle. The Kazakh tennis star proved that once again at the Paris Masters, where he defeated Corentin Moutet 6-3, 7-5 and then proceeded to roast the Frenchman with a camera lens message that was equal parts petty and brilliant.
If you’ve been following the Bublik-Moutet saga, you know this wasn’t just another match. These two have history—the kind that involves post-match almost-fights and suggestions to “take it outside.” And honestly? Tennis needs more of this spice.
The Pre-Match Setup: Moutet Talks Big
Before their second-round showdown in Paris, Moutet made it crystal clear that he wanted to “send Bublik home.” Bold words for someone about to face a guy who’s been on an absolute tear this season. Bublik entered the Paris Masters ranked a career-high No. 16, having won four titles and cementing himself as one of the tour’s most unpredictable—and entertaining—players.
Moutet, meanwhile, has had a solid year himself, racking up 33 tour-level wins and knocking on the door of the Top 30 for the first time. So you could understand why he felt confident. But here’s the thing about talking smack before a match: you better be ready to back it up.
Spoiler alert: Moutet wasn’t.
Alexander Delivers on Court (and Off)
The match itself was vintage Bublik—aggressive, confident, and borderline theatrical. He dominated the first set 6-3, and while Moutet pushed back in the second, Bublik closed it out 7-5. But the real fireworks came after match point.
As cameras zoomed in for the customary winner’s lens signing, Bublik scrawled four simple words: “On the way home.”
Chef’s kiss. Absolutely perfect.
The Post-Match Press Conference: Alexander Explains His Masterclass in Pettiness
If you thought Bublik would just let his racquet do the talking, you clearly don’t know Alexander Bublik. When asked about the message, he didn’t hold back.
“Obviously he spoke too much before the match,” Bublik said with barely concealed satisfaction. “I just have to punish him. So I had no other option.”
But wait—it gets better.
“He said that he will do everything to send me home,” Bublik continued. “It’s nice that he lives in Paris and it’s not too far with the taxi.”
Mic drop. Round of applause. Standing ovation.
Except there was one small problem with Alexander’s perfectly crafted burn: Moutet doesn’t actually live in Paris anymore. He’s based in Dubai now. When Moutet had his turn at the press conference, he made sure to correct the record—though he did so with considerably less flair than his opponent.
“I don’t know what you expect from me,” Moutet said, sounding somewhere between exhausted and resigned. “Some people talk, some people don’t. I guess he’s part of the first category. He loves to verbally clash with people.”
Fair point, Corentin. Fair point.
The Phoenix Challenger Showdown: A Brief History of Bublik vs. Moutet Drama
This wasn’t the first time these two turned a tennis match into a soap opera. Back in March at the Phoenix Challenger, Bublik came from a set down to beat Moutet in the quarterfinals. What should have been a routine handshake at the net turned into something closer to a pre-fight staredown.
Bublik, apparently unsatisfied with simply winning the match, approached Moutet at the side of the court and suggested they settle things the old-fashioned way. “Ten minutes outside? Let’s go. We have a fight?” he reportedly said, while the supervisor tried (and failed) to shepherd him away.
The whole scene was equal parts absurd and entertaining. Tennis might be a gentleman’s sport in theory, but when Bublik’s involved, all bets are off.
Why This Rivalry Actually Matters
Look, professional tennis can be a bit… sterile sometimes. Players shake hands, say nice things in press conferences, and move on to the next tournament. It’s polite. It’s professional. It’s also kind of boring.
That’s why the Bublik-Moutet dynamic is so refreshing. These guys genuinely don’t like each other, and they’re not pretending otherwise. There’s real emotion here—frustration, competitiveness, and maybe just a touch of mutual disrespect.
And you know what? That makes for better tennis. When there’s something personal on the line, players elevate their game. They fight harder. They care more. Bublik didn’t just want to beat Moutet; he wanted to humiliate him. Mission accomplished.
What’s Next for Bublik?
With Moutet dispatched (and presumably searching for an Uber), Bublik advances to face fourth seed Taylor Fritz in the round of 16. Fritz, coincidentally, has his own history of post-match pettiness—remember when he told Arthur Rinderknech to “have a nice flight home” after beating him at Wimbledon? Yeah, that was iconic.
So we’re potentially looking at a clash between two of the tour’s most entertainingly unfiltered personalities. Will Fritz and Bublik trade barbs? Will there be more camera lens messages? Will someone suggest taking it outside?
Honestly, I can’t wait to find out.
The Bottom Line: Tennis Needs More Bublik
Say what you want about Alexander Bublik’s antics, but the guy makes tennis fun. In a sport that often takes itself way too seriously, he’s willing to be the villain, the jokester, and the petty king all rolled into one.
His performance against Moutet wasn’t just about winning a match—it was about sending a message (literally). When you talk big before facing Bublik, you better be prepared for the consequences. Because he’s not just going to beat you; he’s going to make sure everyone knows about it.
And honestly? More power to him. Tennis could use a few more personalities like
Bublik—players who aren’t afraid to stir the pot, ruffle some feathers, and give fans something to talk about beyond forehand winners and break points.
So here’s to Alexander Bublik: the hero tennis didn’t know it needed, but absolutely deserves. May his camera lens messages continue to roast opponents for years to come.
