Bublik, Kazakhstan’s flag bearer: “He is an example for the country”
Having qualified for his first Masters 1000 semi-final, the world number 16 is a role model in Kazakhstan, where his divisive yet fascinating profile is unanimously admired and contributes to the development of tennis.
It’s all fair game, and deep down there’s a lot of love-hate between Alexander Bublik and Paris. While he didn’t hold back in his criticism of the Parisian crowd on Tuesday, taking a swipe at Corentin Moutet after his second-round victory and not mincing words, the Kazakhstani is clearly enjoying himself in the capital this year.
Having been at rock bottom at the start of the season, he knows full well that it was at Roland-Garros that he resurrected his form last June, reaching his first Grand Slam quarter-final. Having become a completely different man, the world number 16 has since racked up four titles in as many finals and a total of six victories, a streak that is still ongoing, against top 10 players this season. And he has already taken down
two of them this week, defeating Taylor Fritz (4th) in two sets on Thursday and then Alex de Minaur (6th) on Friday after a very hard-fought battle (6-7 [5], 6-4, 7-5), before attempting to make it three in a row this afternoon against Félix Auger-Aliassime (10th).
This consistency, unexpected for the most unpredictable player on the circuit, has propelled him, at 28, to the cusp of the top 10 and also, for the first time, to the semifinals of a Masters 1000 tournament. He thus becomes the first Kazakhstani man to reach the final four in this category. A symbolic milestone for the man who is the star attraction of the Central Asian country, where his eccentricity and repeated outbursts have not tarnished his reputation.
Quite the opposite, in fact, as Bublik has been held up as a role model in his adopted country since 2016.
Shaped in Russia, at 19 he joined, like many others before and after him, the project of neighbouring Kazakhstan, which has long relied on young Russian players seeking funding to reach the next level at the world level. Nearly ten years later, the country is trying to shift its development strategy, attracting “its” young people to tennis to compete with ice hockey and combat sports.
A unique player, advocating a vision of tennis and professionalism far removed from the usual standards, the eccentric Bublik remains, along with Elena Rybakina , Wimbledon champion in 2022, a major selling point.
“He plays a huge role in making our sport more attractive to young people,” explains Bulat Utemuratov , the billionaire president of the federation, who spearheaded the massive development of Kazakh tennis. “I know there’s been a lot of talk about his nationality. But our goal isn’t to attract established players; we give talented individuals a chance, and Bublik was in that situation. He started representing Kazakhstan long before he reached the top; he came to us because he was struggling. It was his path to professional tennis. Now, he inspires our young players, and it’s very important for us to have a recognized champion who brings that passion.”
Also naturalized in 2024, Alexander Shevchenko (ranked 99th) has witnessed the appeal of his Davis Cup partner. “He has such a powerful media presence here. It’s partly thanks to his character and playing style. A lot of people are interested in tennis to see him hit shots that only he can; he’s very good at that.” His image plastered all over the posters for the Almaty ATP 250 in early October, Bublik lived up to his reputation for being unpredictable by standing up the organizers a few days before the tournament. But that didn’t stop him from being the center of attention, especially among the young players coming up through the local training program.
“He shares everything and will naturally help us,” said Amir Omarkhanov, 17 years old and ranked 1002nd in the ATP. “We’ve hit together several times at Wimbledon and Roland-Garros, and he makes sure everything is easy and relaxed.” He’s the one who makes the first move, which makes me relaxed when I’m with him, it’s simple.
“He’s clearly an example for the country,” continued Beibit Zhukayev, ranked 292nd in the world. “It’s always better to have these great players with us than against us. For juniors and even younger players, he’s the most inspiring. I was one of those young people who looked to him as an example to progress, win matches and tournaments. He shows the way forward.”
With his victory on Friday against Alex de Minaur, Alexander Bublik has now racked up a sixth consecutive win against top 10 players.
SOURCE: L’Equipe
