Tennis fans divided after controversial incident between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Bublik in Dubai

Felix Auger-Aliassime managed to edge out Alexander Bublik in a Dubai Tennis Championships thriller, but it certainly wasn’t without controversy.

Carlos Alcaraz would choose Auger-Aliassime as his coach, with the Spaniard very fond of the ATP number 21.

Auger-Aliassime is currently chasing an eighth career title at the Dubai Tennis Championships, where he met Bublik in the round of 32.

And it was the Canadian who came out on top, defeating the Kazakhstan star 7-6(9-7), 6-7(4-7), 6-3 after almost three hours.

There was, however, a hugely controversial and indeed bizarre moment when the pair were level at 6-6(6-6) in the first set.

Tennis fans divided after ball kid interrupts Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Bublik point

Remarkably as Auger-Aliassime attempted a return at the baseline, an attempt was made by one of the ball kids to catch the ball.

The Canadian skied his return but quickly requested a video review for hindrance, which was granted by the umpire.

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And it has caused quite the reaction from tennis fans, one of which wrote on X: “There’s no way FAA is getting that ball back into play but then yeah I understand he needed that point so bad.”

A second said: “There was no way Auger-Aliassime was winning the point even if the ball boy didn’t interrupt,” with a third commenting: “FAA is such a crybaby man.”

But there was also support for the Canadian, with one fan commenting: “Clear hindrance, but Bublik won the point anyway!”

Others noted: “Loved FAA on this one” and “Nahh at least he’s going for it. You know how many players just watch a ball and make zero effort? You never know.”

Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Bublik head-to-head record after Dubai thriller

There was certainly no love lost between Auger-Aliassime and Bublik on the court, but the latter wasted no time in finally winning the point.

He decided to attempt the audacious with an underarm serve, and that audacity paid off as his opponent watched him serve an ace.

READ MORE: What Marin Cilic has done for the first time since 2022 after beating Alex De Minaur at the Dubai Tennis Championships

But Auger-Aliassime had the last laugh in the short and long term, eventually winning the tie-break and the match.

Both players certainly gave the fans a day to remember, having constantly interacted with those watching on.

The victor now takes on Nuno Borges in the round of 16, with Auger-Aliassime improving his head-to-head record with Bublik to 3-2.

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