The incident in Madrid “lit” the social networks “refused the greeting at the end, after an extremely tense match
Article by Claudiu Badea – Published on Thursday, April 24, 2025 20:49 / Updated Thursday, April 24, 2025 21:39
Damir Dzumhur (32 years old, 63 ATP) qualified in the second round of the Masters tournament in Madrid, after an extremely tense match against Mattia Bellucci (23 years, 66 ATP). The Bosnian was imposed in maximum sets, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2, following a duel that lasted two and a half hours.
At the end of the match, the two met at the net for the traditional salut, but the situation did not go as it should. Dzumhur raised his hand to greet his opponent, but Belucci withdrew his hand. The Italian realized the mistake made, but it was too late. The Bosnian no longer wanted to greet him.
VIDEO »Tense scenes at the Madrid Master, in Dzumhur – Bellucci duel
The tense situation between the two would have started during the match. In the second set, the Italian surprised the audience with a service below, a process that is not appreciated on the tennis court, but regulatory, writes Sportal.Blics.rs.
A Fake-Out Handshake 😳
No Love Lost Between Dzumhur & Bellucci 😬#Mmopen pic.twitter.com/cinm5p8ojv
– Tennis TV (@tennistv) April 24, 2025
The Bosnian claimed that he was not yet prepared for the service, but after watching the resumption, the point was granted to Belucci.
At the end of the match, during the traditional greeting at the net, Belucci initially reached out to Dzumhur, but then suddenly withdrew it at the last moment. The moment he arrived at the bank, the Bosnian long at the Italian, being visibly disturbed by his gesture.
This incident has aroused numerous reactions on social networks. While some believe that Dzumhur reacted correctly, refusing to accept disrespect, others believe that Belucci simply wanted to change the way of greeting and switching to a friendly hand, without having to respect.
In the second round, Damir Dzumhur will play against Argentine Sebastian Baez (24 years, 33 ATP). Being favorite number 32, Baez did not play in the first round. At the Masters Tournament in Madrid, the first 32 favorites on the main table begin the direct competition in the second round.
Dzumhur's reaction after the tense moment
“The guy was holding his hand outstretched and when I wanted to hold it, he withdrew. If he wanted to joke, look” cool “or something else, I really don't know what the purpose was, But then I no longer extend my hand because of lack of respect, because I do not like to be laughing.
Probably to “take off”, he reached out again, but before I clasped it the second time he told me: «I can shake your hand below or something.» I didn't even understand exactly what he said. Finally, that's all … ”, said Dzumhur after the match.
