A tennis star left a brutal message for his opponent on the television camera after his victory in the Paris Masters last 32.
As the tennis season nears its conclusion, attention is turning to the ATP Finals, which begin on November 9 and bring together the world's best players.
One of the last major tournaments before the Finals is the Paris Masters, which is part of the ATP Masters 1000 series.
It is an indoor event held in Nanterre, a suburb of the French capital, and attracts some of the sport's biggest names, including Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
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One of the home favourites, Corentin Moutet was knocked out on Wednesday, losing 6-3, 7-5 to Alexander Bublik.
After the match, Bublik took to the TV to leave a message, writing: "On the way home."
The message was a direct reponse to Moutet pre-game comments, when he said: "I'll try to send him home."
In his post-match interview, Bublik did not hold back when discussing his victory.
He said: “Well obviously he spoke too much before the match. He spoke too much. I just have to punish him. I have no other option."
When he was asked to elaborate on his message, Bublik continued to mock his opponent.
“He said he would do everything to send me home," he replied.
"So it’s nice that he lives in Paris and it’s not too far with the taxi.”
Despite the heated exchange, Moutet was quick to downplay any talk of ongoing tension between the pair.
“Today I tried to focus on myself," said the Frenchman.
"I don't think it was personal.
"He likes to make fun of players. I don't know what you expect from me.
"Some people talk, some people don't. I guess he's part of the first category. He loves to verbally clash with people.
“I don't like that kind of thing. When things go beyond words, I know how people behave and I know what kind of character he is apart from the character that is shown in the media.
"So it's no use talking behind the mic. He's good enough to do that by himself. I'll let him do it.”
Bublik had the last laugh on court and will face Taylor Fritz in the last 16 on Thursday afternoon.
Although Alcaraz suffered a surprise defeated to Briton Cameron Norrie, it remains unlikely that Bublik will go on to win the Paris Masters.
The American world number four Fritz will provide a significant challenge, while four-time Grand Slam champion Sinner will be a formidable opponent in the later rounds.
Topics: Tennis
James Taylor