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Biofile Alexander Bublik Interview
By Scoop Malinowski
Status: ATP ranking 16 (career high). Winner of eight career ATP singles titles including four this year.
DOB: June 17, 1997 In: Gatchina, Russia
Ht: 6-5 Wt: 180
First memory of tennis: It is probably the first tournament that I played when I was seven years old. I don’t remember if I win any match, but I got the trophy. My mum and my dad bought a trophy and asked the organizers to present it to me and I was very happy.
Tennis inspirations/heroes: I have nobody.
First famous player you met or encountered: When I was a child, I was at a masterclass of Guga Kuerten. Then, probably in 2005, I met Mikhail Youzhny at the St. Petersburg Open.
Current car: I don’t have any car.
Greatest sports moment: I don’t know, probably my first breakthrough in Moscow 2016 when I beat (Roberto) Bautista (Agut) and reached the quarterfinal from qualifications. This is one of the most important moments. And winning four ATP titles (Montpellier 2022, Halle 2023/2025, Antwerp 2023).
Most painful moment(s): It is the entire 2018 year when I drop from being a top 100 player to 250… I had such tough months since last Wimbledon to probably this summer (lost 18 of 22 matches, dropped out of top 75). I was close to calling it quits after Wimbledon, because I was not enjoying it anymore. I promised my coach that I would stay there and keep practicing, and after Wimbledon we will make a decision about whether I need to take a couple of months off before trying to come back. Now this is happening… quarters at the French, winner here (Halle). I have no words.”
Favorite tournaments: I settle for Miami as hard court, Queens as grass, Madrid as clay court and I liked the Astana Open as indoor hard.
Why do you love tennis: Well, I think it is a good way to entertain yourself.
Funniest players encountered: Reilly Opelka is really funny, Monfils is pretty funny too.
Closest friends from tennis: I mean, it’s tough to say friends because friend is a bit more powerful word. The players from the Tour I hang out with are the American kids and Miomir Kecmanovic.
Fiercest competitors you encountered: Jannik Sinner, the matches back-to-back in Dubai (lost 26 76 64) and Miami (lost 76 64) were tough (2021). It’s also always tough to play Taylor Fritz, Andrei Rublev and Denis Shapovalov.
Funny tennis memory: I don’t know, I don’t think I have one to be honest with you.
Strangest match: The match against Hubert Hurkacz in Dubai (won 62 75 in 2020). I was lucky to get the win but that was probably the strangest match I’ve ever played.
Embarrassing tennis memory: I don’t think I have one.
Favorite sport outside tennis: Basketball and ping pong.
Three athletes you like to watch & follow: It’s tough to say. I’m not following anyone for sure… I would say I like to watch Stephen Curry and Lebron James. But to be honest I’m not too much into the sports.
Favorite artists: It’s a Russian guy, Oxxxymiron Hip-hop artist). I think he’s cool. I like the K-Pop Black Pink, I think it’s funny. And last one is Leningrad, it’s a nice Russian rock group. Cool.
Favorite ice cream flavor: Vanilla.
Which match or matches did you feel at your absolute best: I don’t know, it’s tough to say. When I feel bad, I usually play good so it’s really difficult to say.
People qualities most admired: Honesty, loyalty and probably being the real people, not wearing masks. I don’t like fake people, that’s it.
You can read more Biofile interviews like this by Scoop at his official Biofile site
Alexander Bublik · Bublik · Halle · Russia · Yonex · Yoxoi
Scoop Malinowski · May 28, 2021 at 10:36 am
I like this player because he does it his way and he is dangerous to anyone. Though he has lost in four ATP finals, he has wins over Dimitrov, Monfils, Sandgren, Fritz, Agut, Felix, Shapovalov, Karatsev. He extended Thiem to four tough sets at Roland Garros in 2019. Should use the underhand uppercut serve more 🙂