Dubai witnessed drama on February 25, 2025, when Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime triumphed over Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik with a result of 7-6 (7), 6-7 (4), 6-3 at the Dubai Tennis Championships. The match was not only remembered for its conclusion but also for the intense atmosphere created by unique incidents involving Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technologies.
Both competitors engaged fiercely during the nearly three-hour encounter, with Auger-Aliassime demonstrating remarkable resilience against Bublik’s aggressive serves. The Canadian managed to land eight aces, albeit with five double faults, and secured 77 percent of his first-serve points. Bublik countered with his own powerful display, delivering 16 aces and making seven double faults, yet he only converted one of his seven break-point opportunities.
The high-stakes nature of the match culminated early when Auger-Aliassime sought the intervention of VAR during the first-set tiebreak. With the score tied at 6-6, Auger-Aliassime believed he was hindered by the presence of a ball boy attempting to retrieve another ball. The chair umpire backed his claim after reviewing the footage, which led to the officials replaying the point. Following the decision, Bublik attempted to flaunt his skill and distract Auger-Aliassime by serving underarm, yet he met mixed reactions from the crowd. He achieved success with the playful shot but eventually lost the set after Auger-Aliassime converted on his next serve, winning on Bublik’s double fault.
Auger-Aliassime celebrated this first set win with exuberance, turning to the crowd and exclaiming, "Where's the noise now?" as he enjoyed the fruits of his hard-fought battle. Following their dramatic exchanges, Bublik responded with confidence, serving aggressively. The second set featured both players trading points, and Bublik managed to bring the match level by snatching the second set on another tiebreak.
Despite the initial setback, Auger-Aliassime regained focus for the final set. Starting down 2-1, he broke Bublik's serve twice—once in the fifth and again with a solid performance in the ninth game—allowing him to close out the match by winning five of the last six games.
The intriguing VAR episode added to the heat of competition, stirring conversations among tennis enthusiasts and observers alike about the possible ramifications of technology interference during matches. Many noted how VAR could inject new life and contention within the sport as athletes adapt to its presence.
This victory propels Auger-Aliassime to the second round to face off against Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who secured his own entry after dominating France's Arthur Fils with scores of 6-2, 6-1. Their upcoming encounter will mark the first competitive meeting between the two players, adding to the excitement surrounding the Dubai Tennis Championships.
The draw for the Dubai Championship features several notable names, and Auger-Aliassime's road could possibly lead to clashes with former champions, igniting excitement for local fans. Bublik’s fluctuated performance this season—having lost first rounds at various tournaments—stands to showcase the competitive pressure under which players often operate.”