Albeit two months into the new season, there is already a contender for the most bizarre moment on the ATP Tour for 2025 after a ballkid forced a video review to overturn a call at the Dubai Open.
At a crucial stage in the first set tiebreak, Alexander Bublik celebrated prematurely when he thought his unreturned shot won him the point.
However, his opponent, Felix Auger-Aliassime, requested a video replay after claiming that a ballkid hindered his ability to reach the ball.
The challenge was successful and the point was replayed, much to the frustration of Bublik.
Auger-Aliassime fended off a set point to win the set and subsequently the match, in what was a tricky encounter due to Bublik's unorthodox game style, including underarm serves.
"It's not common, so you forget," the Canadian said when asked about Bublik's unpredictability. "Then I got caught a few times and I was like, 'alright this is the last time I get caught'. I need to stay on my toes and be ready. That's the challenge with him. But I welcome and accept every challenge."
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There was another piece of humorous entertainment at the end of the match when Bublik assumed he had won his service game, not realising it was deuce. Two points later, he succumbed to defeat.
Auger-Aliassime will play Portugal's Nuno Borges in the round of 16.
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