Alexander Bublik is the only unseeded player on the men’s side to have qualified for the quarterfinals of the French Open.
The 27-year-old produced one of the comebacks of the tournament in the second round, when Bublik battled back to beat Alex de Minaur in five sets, 2-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2.
Bublik then dominated his third-round opponent, Henrique Rocha, in straight sets before coming face to face with world number five Jack Draper.
Playing the match of his life, Bublik stunned Draper, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4, becoming the first Kazakh man to qualify for a Major quarterfinal.
After the match, Bublik received a standing ovation from the crowd on Suzanne-Lenglen as he was overcome with emotion.
Speaking today, one top WTA coach has shared why he thinks Bublik was so emotional after the match.
Patrick Mouratoglou says Alexander Bublik was emotional because he proved he ‘found his way’
Talking on Instagram, French coach Patrick Mouratoglou gave his verdict on Bublik’s emotional win over Draper.
“That personality, I really like, because he’s always accepted his difference, and not being scared to show it. He was criticised for not being serious the way people want him to be serious,” he said.
“I think he was also so emotional because he felt ‘I found my way’, plus the fact that he qualifies for the quarterfinals of a Grand Slam for the first time in his life.
“Actually, he said that it’s the best day of his life.”
Mouratoglou reflected on Bublik’s run to the quarterfinals, highlighting the ‘crazy risks’ he’s been taking.
“It’s very surprising that he’s able to make the best result of his whole career in a Grand Slam on clay. That’s the last surface I thought he would do well on,” he said.
“He was a player who was having ups, downs, losing his focus, sometimes going for crazy shots in the most important moments, and missing.
“Like he did actually in the last game against [Jack] Draper. He served two or three double faults going full 200 km/h at deuce.
“It’s crazy to take that risk, but it’s also why he’s so good, because he’s unpredictable.
“We’ve seen him play at an incredibly high level one match sometimes, or moments during matches, but in Roland Garros, he’s been able to do it with full focus from the start to the end, and that’s a big difference.”
Bublik has hit a high number of double faults in each of his four matches at Roland Garros.
| Match | Double faults | Aces | Score |
| Alexander Bublik v Jack Draper | 7 | 8 | 5-7, 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 |
| Alexander Bublik v Henrique Rocha | 6 | 9 | 7-5, 6-1, 6-2 |
| Alexander Bublik v Alex de Minaur | 12 | 12 | 2-6, 2-6, 6-4, 6-3, 6-2 |
| Alexander Bublik v James Duckworth | 9 | 16 | 6-2, 6-4, 6-4 |
They clearly haven’t affected him, however, as Bublik continues to make his way through the draw.
Which Grand Slam did Alexander Bublik say he’d most like to win?
Bublik has a rare shot at Grand Slam glory in Paris, having qualified for his maiden Major quarterfinal.
But is this the one he wants to win? Earlier this year, appearing on the Nothing Major podcast, Bublik was asked which Slam he’d choose to win.
“Wimbledon,” he answered.
His choice made a lot of sense at the time, having achieved his then career-best Grand Slam result at SW19.
Alexander Bublik’s best Grand Slam performances
- Australian Open – 2R (2017, 2021, 2022)
- French Open – QF* (2025)
- Wimbledon – 4R (2023)
- US Open – 3R (2019)
Bublik did, however, express his love for the French Open, a tournament he has now made history at.
“Actually I like Roland Garros more than the Australian Open,” he said.
“I like everything about it. Roland Garros is one of my favorite Slams, I would say.”
The Kazakh was also asked whether he’d prefer to win a Grand Slam or receive $15 million.
“Slam,” he said.
“$15 million you can make, this is the money you can make if you are a tennis player. You can make this money while living your life.
“Slam is history. The joy of winning a Slam would stay there, and history would stay there. Nobody will remember you as the guy who chose $15 million.”
Bublik is now just three wins away from writing his name into the history books, but will be more than aware of the challenges ahead of him.
The world number 62 will take on three-time Grand Slam winner Jannik Sinner in his quarterfinal match on Wednesday, June 4.
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