Alexander Bublik had a fascinating runner-up speech at the 2022 Newport Open, which was slammed on social media for being classless because he wasn’t particularly impressed with his opponent ending up as the winner of their match.
Bublik failed to cap off a solid week in Newport with a trophy at the ATP 250 event, as he was beaten in the final by Maxime Cressy. Both of these players played well during the week, but in the final, it was the American who got a bit more lucky.
Bublik was dominating Cressy for much of the match, as he was up 6-2 and 3-0. The Kazakhstani player played the second set from that point on poorly, losing his lead and the set as well, as Cressy took it 6-3.
It was a crazy turnaround, but entirely Bublik’s fault, as he didn’t approach it seriously at all. He played his best in the final set, but ultimately, it was Cressy who proved better in a tie-break, winning it 7-3.
It was a huge moment for Cressy, for whom it was his maiden trophy, but Bublik showed no care for that, as he gave what has to be one of the most honest runner-up speeches in recent tennis history. He called his opponent very lucky, to the shock of the crowd and the organizers present.
"There is not much to say, to be honest with you. I'm very upset. You got very lucky. Put your whole prize money on red. You’re going to win big."
Cressy wasn’t impressed either, as he clapped back by mockingly apologizing for ‘being lucky.’ In the end, the players went their separate ways, but it was a tense moment and certainly not the norm in tennis. Generally, ceremonies end up being very respectful, but Bublik kept it real this time around.