Thu Feb 27 10:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Tennis VAR Debut Sparks Hilarious On-Court Feud in Dubai
Dubai, UAE – The first-ever use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) in professional tennis resulted in a highly entertaining and controversial exchange between Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexander Bublik at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships.
During a tense tie-break at 6-6, Auger-Aliassime challenged a point, claiming a ball boy’s interference affected his return. The chair umpire agreed, leading to a replay. Bublik’s response was unexpected: he served an underhand ace, then playfully mocked Auger-Aliassime, suggesting a review of *his* serve.
The Canadian, however, ultimately won the set, saving a set point and capitalizing on a Bublik double fault. In a display of good-natured sportsmanship (or perhaps playful retaliation), Auger-Aliassime mirrored Bublik’s earlier celebratory gestures, igniting the crowd. The two-minute sequence was filled with laughter, playful rivalry, and a unique demonstration of the evolving role of technology in tennis. The incident highlighted the potential for both drama and amusement as VAR technology finds its place in the sport.
First Piper 