Alexander Bublik has won again, but admitted it was far tougher than the 3-6, 4-6 scoreline suggests.
The Kazakhstani star is one of tennis’ most enigmatic characters and is never far away from a controversial or frankly hilarious moment.
And the latter was in full effect following that win over Borna Coric.
But what did Bublik have to say after claiming victory over the Croatian? We take a closer look…
What Alexander Bublik did for his match yesterday
Well, having enjoyed a comprehensive victory over Coric, Bublik has eased into the Round of 16 with the usual power and finesse we have become accustomed to in recent years.
However, it was not all easy, and he actually suggested that at one point he and his coach considered dropping out due to something that happened before the match had even started.
Hilariously, it was the start time that had irked him.
Bublik noted, when asked what pleased him most about the result: ‘Winning at 11 am, I mean I haven’t done this in the past few years. I had no expectations when I saw the schedule, I was like ‘Okay I mean, I won’t be playing’.
‘That was in the morning I was texting my coach around 7:30. The last time I woke up at 7:30 was before October, so before 10 you won’t see me awake.
‘I was texting my coach saying maybe we should just pull out, I mean I go to sleep at 7:30. What is this for? So I’m really happy just to get through and I’m really happy with my performance, that I stayed there and put the balls in the court even though it was very difficult for me at such an early time.
‘Who does work at 11?’
The early bird catches the worm for Bublik
From reaching tour finals to now getting up before 10 am, this has truly been a revolutionary year already for Bublik.
As someone who has never been shy of publicising his disinterest in tennis, supposedly only playing for the money, the 26-year-old does boast a bucketload of talent which he sometimes squanders when the chance comes to showcase it.
However, his start to 2024 is indicative of a new, perhaps more focused version of the world number 23, who could be set to enjoy a year filled with upsets and excitement.
Already he shocked many by dumping out Felix Auger-Aliassime on his way to the Open Sud de France title, which he made history by once again beating Coric.
Yesterday saw him repeat that feat in the first round of the ATP Rotterdam.
Having now set up a mouth-watering battle with Milos Raonic, set to be waged later today, it will be interesting to see whether Bublik can maintain his fine form for the new season and upset the ageing but still very dangerous Canadian powerhouse.
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