VAR Drama Unfolds as Auger-Aliassime Edges Bublik in Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Drama unfolded on February 25, 2025, as Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime triumphed over Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik in a thrilling match at the Dubai Tennis Championships, finishing 7-6 (7), 6-7 (4), 6-3. The encounter, lasting nearly three hours, was notable not just for its outcome but also for the unprecedented use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology that added tension to an already intense rivalry.

Both players engaged fiercely, with Auger-Aliassime showing remarkable resilience against Bublik’s aggressive serves. During the match, Auger-Aliassime landed eight aces but also committed five double faults. He secured a commendable 77 percent of his first-serve points. In contrast, Bublik delivered 16 aces while making seven double faults, but failed to convert any of his seven break-point opportunities.

The pivotal moment came in the first-set tiebreak when the score was tied at 6-6. Auger-Aliassime signaled for VAR after believing a ball boy’s attempt to retrieve a stray ball had momentarily distracted him. The chair umpire reviewed the request and subsequently decided to replay the point. This intervention marked the first official use of VAR technology in tennis, adding an exciting and contentious twist to the match.

Following the VAR decision, Bublik wowed spectators with an underhand second serve ace that he celebrated by gesturing to the crowd and mimicking Auger-Aliassime’s earlier celebration. However, the Canadian player maintained his composure, saving the set point and ultimately winning the set after Bublik committed a double fault.

After his first-set triumph, Auger-Aliassime celebrated by turning to the crowd, declaring, “Where’s the noise now?” His exuberance captured the essence of the electrifying atmosphere surrounding the match. Bublik responded with renewed vigor, trading points with Auger-Aliassime before leveling the match by taking the second set in his own tiebreak.

Despite the setback, Auger-Aliassime persisted, starting the final set down 2-1. He broke Bublik’s serve twice, once in the fifth game and again in the decisive ninth game, ultimately closing out the match by winning five of the last six games.

The VAR episode has sparked conversations among tennis fans and analysts about potential changes in match dynamics with the introduction of technology. Many are curious about how VAR could influence the sport moving forward as players acclimate to this new aspect of competition.

This victory propels Auger-Aliassime to the second round, where he will face Portugal’s Nuno Borges, who advanced by convincingly beating France’s Arthur Fils 6-2, 6-1. Their matchup will mark the first competitive meeting between the two, further heightening excitement at the Dubai Tennis Championships.

The tournament features several high-profile names, and Auger-Aliassime’s path may include possible clashes with former champions, adding to the anticipation for local fans. Bublik, whose season has seen inconsistency with first-round exits at several tournaments, exemplifies the competitive pressure and unpredictability that players often navigate on the ATP tour.