French Open Player Refuses To Shake Hands As Bad Blood Boils Over

Hard feelings on a clay court.
Laurent Lokoli's refusal to shake hands with winner Martin Klizan came after Klizan teased him for a double fault.
Laurent Lokoli's refusal to shake hands with winner Martin Klizan came after Klizan teased him for a double fault.
Tim Clayton - Corbis via Getty Images

So, what’s shakin’ at the French Open? Not hands, apparently.

Watch Laurent Lokoli of France refuse to press flesh with the victorious Martin Klizan of Slovakia after their first-round match on Tuesday. Lokoli threw in a finger-wag and dismissive wave for theatrical effect.

Tim Clayton - Corbis via Getty Images

Some fans booed, but we can’t totally blame Lokoli. According to Deadspin, Klizan had reacted earlier to a game-ending Lokoli double fault by yelling in triumph and then pointing at his brain, perhaps to signify the pressure had gone to Lokoli’s head to make such a mental mistake.

Not cool either.

The two also argued on the sideline, with Lokoli accusing Klizan of faking a leg injury, the Telegraph reported. He also said Klizan disrespected him.

Bad blood all around, it seems.

So while Klizan got the five-set victory, maybe we can call the bad sportsmanship competition a draw.

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