“Lowkey another Kyrgios in disguise” – Alexander Bublik’s abusive and insensitive comments on Dominic Thiem during their US Open encounter angers fans
Bublik mumbles on court in match against Thiem.
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Dominic Thiem, Nick Kyrigos and Alexander Bublik (Image via: Tennis net/Tenis 360)
Alexander Bublik’s mid-match mumbling earned him a comparison with controversial tennis player Nick Kyrgios on social media. The Kazakh clashed with Austria’s Dominic Thiem in the first round of the 2023 US Open on Monday. Thiem beat his opponent in three straight sets of 6-3, 6-2, and 6-4.
The World No. 25 smashed his racket on court after losing the second set. Later, he was heard saying something in Russian to his teammates during a break in between the matches.
Apart from threatening his team to never return, Bublik said that he is sick of giving back careers to disabled people. “Disabled people,” many believe, is in reference to Thiem, who is picking up form after injury setbacks in the past.
In a press conference after Thiem’s win, the Austrian expressed his doubts regarding the translation. When the reporter assured him that it was, Theim said, “It’s something you shouldn’t say out of respect” and refused to comment further. The Austrian had earlier withdrawn from the Winston-Salem Open last week.
Social media compares Bublik to Kyrgios
The 29-year-old former US Open champion, Theim won the first round of the ongoing tournament against Alexander Bublik. The win on Monday was a first for the Austrian since had been unsuccessful in defeating any of his Grand Slam opponents since Australian Open in 2021.
After his outbursts on court, netizens began comparing Bublik with controversial tennis figure Nick Kyrgios. While others claimed that the comparison was a bit too harsh.
Kyrgios is infamous for his mid-match reactions. He has also been fined for verbal abuse and temper tantrums at tournaments, and he was accused of assaulting his former girlfriend back in 2021. Sharing a wide spectrum of reactions online, here’s what the internet had to say about the incident:
Dominic Thiem will now compete with American player Ben Shelton in the second round of the Grand Slam.
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Eeshita Dev
(231 Articles Published)