Jannik Sinner secured his place in the Vienna Open semifinals with a straight-sets win over Alexander Bublik.
Playing near-perfect tennis in the Austrian capital, Sinner defeated Bublik 6-4, 6-4, to win their eighth career meeting.
The Italian will now play Australia’s Alex de Minaur in the semis, with either Alexander Zverev or Lorenzo Musetti waiting in the final.
After beating Bublik in Vienna, Sinner shared some words with the Kazakh star at the net.
During his post-match press conference, Sinner revealed what he and Bublik said to each other.
Jannik Sinner told Alexander Bublik he’s had the ‘best season of his career’ in 2025
As reported by Corriere dello Sport, Sinner shared what he said to Bublik at the net during his latest press conference in Vienna.
“I congratulated him on his season, the best season of his career,” said Sinner.
“He replied that it’s true, but he could have done better if we hadn’t always played each other.”
Bublik and Sinner have played four times in 2025, with three of those matches going the way of the world number two.
| Match | Winner | Loser | Score |
| 2025 Vienna Open – QF | Jannik Sinner | Alexander Bublik | 6-4, 6-4 |
| 2025 US Open – 4R | Jannik Sinner | Alexander Bublik | 6-1, 6-1, 6-1 |
| 2025 Halle Open – 2R | Alexander Bublik | Jannik Sinner | 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 |
| 2025 French Open – QF | Jannik Sinner | Alexander Bublik | 6-1, 7-5, 6-0 |
| 2023 Halle Open – QF | Alexander Bublik | Jannik Sinner | 7-5, 2-0 (RET) |
| 2023 s-Hertogenbosch – 2R | Jannik Sinner | Alexander Bublik | 6-4, 6-2 |
| 2021 Miami Open – QF | Jannik Sinner | Alexander Bublik | 7-5, 6-4 |
| 2021 Dubai Tennis Championships – 2R | Jannik Sinner | Alexander Bublik | 2-6, 7-6, 6-4 |
Sinner proceeded to share the change he’s noticed in Bublik this year, which has propelled him to ATP Tour success.
“You know, we know each other very well, even off the court. I can only wish him the best,” he said.
“I think he’s changed his mentality lately; he’s working much harder, and the results are showing.”
The results are certainly showing, as Bublik has won four titles in 2025, the second most of any player in men’s tennis.
| Rank | Name | Country | Titles | Titles won |
| 1 | Carlos Alcaraz | Spain | 8 | Rotterdam Open, Monte-Carlo Masters, Italian Open, French Open, Queen’s Club Championships, Cincinnati Open, US Open, Japan Open |
| 2 | Alexander Bublik | Kazakhstan | 4 | Halle Open, Swiss Open, Austrian Open, Hangzhou Open |
| T-3 | Jannik Sinner | Italy | 3 | Australian Open, Wimbledon, China Open |
| T-3 | Felix Auger-Aliassime | Canada | 3 | Adelaide International, Open Occitanie, European Open |
| T-3 | Luciano Darderi | Italy | 3 | Grand Prix Hassan II, Swedish Open, Croatia Open |
| T-6 | Casper Ruud | Norway | 2 | Madrid Open, Stockholm Open |
| T-6 | Flavio Cobolli | Italy | 2 | Tiriac Open, Hamburg Open |
| T-6 | Denis Shapovalov | Canada | 2 | Dallas Open, Los Cabos Open |
| T-6 | Taylor Fritz | USA | 2 | Stuttgart Open, Eastbourne International |
As Sinner mentioned, there’s been a mentality shift from Bublik this year, a man who considered quitting tennis just three years ago.
Why did Alexander Bublik want to quit tennis in 2022?
During a round-table interview with Patrick Mouratoglou and Nick Kyrgios, Bublik recalled the time he considered retiring from tennis.
“I was saying ‘I don’t want to play tennis, I don’t like that, I want to play for money, all these things’,” he said.
“At that moment in 2022, I could finish and leave peacefully, you know, do nothing.”
Bublik decided against retiring, as he still had love for the sport.
“All of a sudden, I was like, is it me? Is it really me saying that?” he said.
“I said, do I like it or do I not?
“I said yes, that was my dream, yes, so then I have to respect that.
“I have to respect that kid who was standing next to the mirror [practising].”
Bublik made the right call, and three years later, is ranked 16th in the world.
Until recently, he was in contention for a spot at the ATP Finals in Turin, although his chances are now hanging by a thread, following his latest defeat to Sinner.
Looking to finish his 2025 season on a high, Bublik will return to the court at the Paris Masters, when the tournament begins on Monday, October 27.
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