“I don’t give a s**t!” Alexander Bublik and Corentin Moutet get into tense mid-match verbal exchange at Phoenix Challenger

Alexander Bublik eventually prevailed in this match and will now face Nuno Borges in the Phoenix Challenger semifinals.

“I don’t give a s**t!” Alexander Bublik and Corentin Moutet get into tense mid-match verbal exchange at Phoenix Challenger

Alexander Bublik (via ATP screengrab X)

The temperatures rose on Friday at the 2025 Arizona Tennis Classic during the quarterfinal match between Alexander Bublik and Corentin Moutet. The duo were seen engaging in an angry verbal exchange during their high-quality encounter.

The situation escalated in the closing minutes of the match when Bublik was attempting to serve it out. The score was 6-5 in the third set in favor of the Kazakh player when Moutet told his opponent that he wasn’t ready for the serve.

YouTube video

I am not ready.

Corentin Moutet said

However, Bublik remained focused and dropped a bombshell on his opponent. The former World No. 17 was trying to serve out the match for the third time after failing on two previous occasions in the third set.

FS Video

I don’t give a s**t.

Alexander Bublik replied

The timing of getting ready while serving has sparked significant debate, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. A similar incident took place at the 2021 Roland Garros during the second round between Roger Federer and Marin Cilic. The Swiss player wasn’t in position to receive Cilic’s serve, which led the Croatian to complain to the chair umpire. Eventually, Federer was given a warning.

However, Moutet did not receive any warning from the chair umpire, suggesting that Bublik was simply focused on his job and eager to finish the match. He will now face Nuno Borges in the tournament’s semifinal.

Alexander Bublik has developed a reputation of on-court tantrums

Alexander Bublik was reaching boiling point in his Phoenix Challenger match against Corentin Moutet. However, this is not the first time either he or his opponent has had a meltdown on the tennis court.

Alexander Bublik
Alexander Bublik (via ATP/X)

During last year’s China Open, Bublik faced Flavio Cobolli. Due to his inconsistency during the match, the former World No. 17 threw his racket in anger, resulting in boos from the audience.

In Dubai recently, Bublik and Felix Auger-Aliassime were involved in a highly controversial but intense match. After a VAR drama, Bublik hit an underarm serve, which was not well received by the audience. Eventually, the Canadian won the match and went on to reach the final.

On the other hand, Moutet had a similar verbal exchange with Adrian Andreev on the Challenger circuit back in 2022. The ATP took notice of Moutet’s actions that day as well.

Joao Fonseca and Alexander Bublik headline Phoenix Challengers profile

The Challenger tournament between Indian Wells and Miami is always one of the best lower-level events of the year. It used to take place in Dallas but is now held in Phoenix, Arizona. This event, called the Arizona Tennis Classic, attracts many strong players every year.

Alexander Bublik and Joao Fonseca
Alexander Bublik and Joao Fonseca (via ATP/X)

This year’s player list is very impressive. Some of the names include Joao Fonseca, Alexander Bublik, Kei Nishikori, Nuno Borges, Flavio Cobolli, Jan-Lennard Struff, and Reilly Opelka. Surprisingly, Fonseca, Bublik, Nishikori, and Opelka are not even seeded. Chris Eubanks, who lost his first match to Roman Safiullin, was also unseeded.

There are four players ranked inside the top 46. The lowest-ranked player who got directly into the main draw is Pavel Kotov, who is No. 102 in the world. These rankings show that this Challenger event is stronger than many ATP 250 tournaments.

Right now, Indian Wells is getting most of the attention. But just a short distance away in Phoenix, another exciting tournament is happening. The Arizona Tennis Classic is giving fans a chance to watch top-level players in action.