French ATP player Jules Marie endured more after his loss in the US Open qualifiers. When it was supposed to be a routine exit for him, Marie was blindsided by an outrageous trick. The incident not only surprised and disillusioned him but also filled him with rage. The story, unfolding at its core, presents the challenges of tennis players dealing with unnecessary ordeals.

Journalist Quentin Moynet shared the French tennis player Jules Marie’s unfortunate incident on X. This no 2 alternate for the US Open qualifying rounds received a fake email from a person who impersonated the US Open Official Player Support and sent an email notifying him that his name is already added on the qualifications list. The mail also shared that this automatic selection happened because two players, Henrique Rocha da Silva Moura and Michael Zheng, forfeited.

Additionally, Marie was also informed about receiving another email that would confirm the updated play schedules. Moynet not only shared the email’s screenshot but also added Marie’s opinion by sharing the screenshot of his comment on his Instagram story. “The tour manager doesn’t understand. There was no package. A jerk sent me this email,” wrote Marie.

Marie lost the first-round qualifiers of the US Open. This means his chance to play the American Grand Slam is over this season. However, the prank suggested his entry to the Slam because two players withdrew. If the email were true, it would have been the happiest news for the Frenchman. Sadly, it was just a cruel trick.

This French tennis player, who recently lost the 2024 Open Castilla Leon to Mohamed Saftwat in the Round of 32 by 6(2)-7(7), 4-6, is looking forward to attending his career’s first Grand Slam main draw participation in future. His first victory at any Grand Slam qualifying match was in the 2024 Australian Open, where he defeated former world’s no 18 Benoit Paire. “The only pressure was to play here for me, I made it. [Today] is a good win for me… now it’s only bonus,” Marie said after the victory.

Although this prank was insensitive, some can be fun! Remember Paula Badosa’s prank on Aryna Sabalenka? While Jules Marie’s case sheds light on the reality of being a tennis player, Badosa and Sabalenka showcased a beautiful side of their friendship through an incident involving a prank.

Aryna Sabalenka fell victim to a friendly yet funny prank from Paula Badosa

Badosa and Sabalenka’s friendship has a fanbase for itself, showing the tennis world how this sport brings people closer. Badosa, who is Sabalenka’s best friend, organized a birthday celebration for the Belarusian in 2022 and perplexed her. Sabalenka shared a clip on her X where Badosa surprised her with a cake and candles.

The Australian Open winner soon cleared the confusion, saying on the camera that it wasn’t her birthday. “Guys just want to let you know, it’s not my birthday. It’s just Paula has such a good sense of humor,” she said. Sabalenka also called the prank “really funny” while hinting revenge on her Spaniard best friend on November 15th. “November 15, you’ll receive a nice present,” she said.

Pranks can be hurtful at times. Marie’s case showcases the bitter side of the pranksters. Badosa also pranked her friend, but it was one of delight. While the Frenchman suffered trouble, he has the support of fans, who will help him overcome the odds.