Paris Masters star accused of breaking unwritten rule as handshake row explodes

Alexander Bublik has insisted that he decided not to shake the hand of Alexei Popyrin at the Paris Masters because the Australian didn't apologise when he benefited from two lucky net cords during the match. The Russian-born Kazakhstani tennis star secured his safe passage to the second round after winning the match 6-4, 6-3.

Bublik and Popyrin went head-to-head in the French capital for the first time since their clash at the Madrid Open was briefly halted following a contentious call from the umpire. And Bublik hit 31 winners on his way to securing a routine win.

Bublik found himself 2-0 up in the second set but was facing break points as his rival looked for a way back into the match.

And Popyrin saw two shots clip the top of the net during the same rally as he broke back.

The former Canadian Open winner didn't raise his hand to offer a customary apology for his good fortune, as he opted instead to pump his fist in celebration, breaking an unwritten rule in tennis.

And when the match ultimately came to an end, Bublik walked straight to the umpire to offer a handshake as he completely ignored his opponent.

After the match, Bublik was asked whether he had been annoyed by Popyrin's failure to offer an apology.

And the 28-year-old explained to Russian outlet Championat: "Well, precisely because if someone clips two net cords and doesn't apologise, but celebrates as if he's won something..."

Discussing his refusal to shake Popyrin's hand, Bublik then added: "I just don't see anything wrong with that. I think any reasonable person would have done the same in my place, that is, if I had ever done that.

"They can celebrate and then apologise. I'm not one to cling to that, but they apologise for it. There is a code, there is a kind of etiquette. If someone doesn't comply with it, why should I comply with another?"

The result means Bublik will face the winner of the match between Corentin Moutet and Reilly Opelka in the next round.

And commenting on his win against Popyrin, Bublik explained: "I definitely didn't play my best today. But tennis is not about bringing your best every day, it's about winning when you're not feeling well, and especially in a new venue.

"I'm quite happy with the win but I'm not really happy with my performance because I was missing quite a bit, my serve was not really working well. But overall, a win is a win, so I get on and I try to be better next time."