(Video) Damir Dzumhur and Mattia Bellucci controversially involved in a ‘fake’ handshake after their Madrid Open clash

Damir Dzumhur and Mattia Bellucci's opening round match at the Madrid Open witnessed plenty of theatrics.

(Video) Damir Dzumhur and Mattia Bellucci controversially involved in a ‘fake’ handshake after their Madrid Open clash

Damir Dzumhur, Mattia Bellucci involved in controversial handshake (images via X)

There was a bizarre end to Damir Dzumhur’s opening round match against Mattia Bellucci in the 2025 Madrid Open. Dzumhur came from a set and a break down to seal the victory 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

After the end of a match, it is customary for players to shake hands however, the Italian held out his hand but pulled it back when Dzumhur extended his arm. Bellucci then once again offered his hand, but the world No. 63 wasn’t having it and refused entirely. 

There were plenty of theatrics in this match. Dzumhur requested a video review when he failed to return an underarm serve and later kicked off when the umpire informed him that one of his own serves had to be replayed.

Damir Dzumhur called for a video review for Mattia Bellucci’s underarm serve ace

Mattia Bellucci appeared to be surging ahead in their first-round clash when he clinched the first set 6-4 and broke immediately to start the decider. But Damir Dzumhur felt there was too much disruption coming from the other side of the net.

Damir Dzumhur Mattia Bellucci Madrid Open
Damir Dzumhur vs. Mattia Bellucci (image via X)

Dzumhur had already delayed play a few times. Tensions increased in the second set when Bellucci won an underarm serve ace against Dzumhur. However, Dzumhur immediately waved his arms in confusion, claiming he wasn’t ready to return. 

The 32-year-old approached the umpire, pleading his case, and asked for a video review to check whether he was looking at Bellucci when he hit the underarm serve. There was a brief pause as both players sat on their benches, waiting for the video review. The replay confirmed that Dzumhur was in position when Bellucci served, and the chair official decided the Italian could keep the point. Dzumhur will face Sebastian Baez in the next round of the tournament. 

Carlos Alcaraz withdraws from Madrid Open

World No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz recently announced his withdrawal from the Madrid Open after picking up an injury on his right leg during last Sunday’s defeat at the Barcelona Open final to Holger Rune. With this victory, Rune quenched his title drought of nearly two years and reentered the top 10 ranking. 

Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune (2)
Carlos Alcaraz, Holger Rune (Image via X/Carlos Alcaraz)

Two-time champion Alcaraz was initially scheduled to play against Gabriel Diallo in his opening round match at the Madrid Open this year. Alcaraz won his maiden Madrid Open title in 2022, defeating defending champion Alexander Zverev in straight sets in the final. Alcaraz defended his title the next year, cruising past lucky loser Jan-Lennard Struff in the final.

This news of his withdrawal from the 2025 edition of the tournament came a day after the launch of his Netflix documentary ‘Carlos Alcaraz: My Way’. The documentary, which has three episodes, was filmed during his 2024 season and gives an insight into the four-time Grand Slam champion’s mentality and the ups and downs in his career. 

Playing 10 matches in 12 consecutive days during the Monte Carlo Masters and Barcelona Open has taken a huge toll on the Spaniard’s body, who must prioritize recovery now to defend his Roland Garros title.

Alcaraz is reported to have had a scan on the injury on Monday. He might have to pull out of the Rome Masters as well at the start of May, when the return of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner from his three-month doping suspension will be the dominant headline.

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