Australian Alexei Popyrin has found himself at the centre of a sportsmanship storm after being beaten in the first round of the Paris Masters.

World No.16 Alexander Bublik wrapped up a comfortable 6-4 6-3 win and promptly made a beeline for the chair umpire, refusing to even look at Popyrin let alone shake his hand.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Alexei Popyrin cops handshake snub in defeat.

The vision left fans questioning just what went down between the pair, who also had words in a frosty handshake at the Madrid Open in April.

Bublik wasted little time offering his side of the story in Paris.

The 28-year-old said he refused to shake Popyrin’s hand because he disappointed the Aussie had celebrated rather than apologised for two net cords — including one on a break point.

“I think any reaso

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