Following Andrey Rublev’s default in their match, Alexander Bublik expressed his disappointment, stating, “I would have preferred to lose 7-6 in the third than to win the match like this.”
In a post-match interview, Bublik shared his sentiments, lamenting the missed opportunity for an epic encounter between the two players in front of a packed crowd in Dubai. He remarked, “We could have played one of the greatest matches we played against each other. It’s a pity it’s ended like this.”
Bublik’s words reflect a sense of regret over the circumstances that led to the match’s premature conclusion. Despite potentially benefiting from Rublev’s default, Bublik values the integrity of the game and the opportunity for competitive play over a victory handed to him in such a manner.
The disappointment is palpable in Bublik’s statement, as he acknowledges the lost potential for a thrilling showdown on the court. His desire to compete against Rublev at their best, amidst an enthusiastic audience, underscores the essence of sportsmanship and fair play.
Alexander Bublik: “This is what we need to understand, that we cannot take players away, but we can easily take away the umpires, and that would solve many issues.” https://t.co/NyFcMe1Top pic.twitter.com/CFd7K0yWxg
— Reem Abulleil (@ReemAbulleil) March 1, 2024
As the tennis world reflects on the incident, Bublik’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of sportsmanship and the desire for genuine competition among players. While victories are pursued, the manner in which they are achieved holds significant weight, and Bublik’s sentiment encapsulates this principle.
With his candid expression of regret, Bublik highlights the profound impact of sportsmanship and the value of competitive integrity in the world of professional tennis.
Bublik in Dubai, ranking, and results in 2024
Now ranked no.23, Alexander has managed to achieve a 13-4 win-loss record in 2024. Alexander is now having a run in Dubai where he toppled the world no.65 Tomas Machac 2-6 6-3 7-65, the world no.28 Tallon Griekspoor 7-68 7-62, the world no.36 Jiri Lehecka 6-4 4-1 ret. and the world no.5 Andrey Rublev 6-74 7-65 6-5 def..
Alexander Bublik will play the world no.18 Ugo Humbert in the final. They have never played each other up to now in top tournaments.
The Kazakhstani conquered 1 title in 2024 in Montpellier.
Alexander won 4 titles in his career: 3 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Bublik will play next in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open). He will start to play the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 4th of March.
Andrey Rublev in 2024
Ranked no.5 (career-high), Andrey played his last match on the 1st of March when he was defeated by world no.23 Alexander Bublik 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-5 def. in the semifinal in Dubai (draw).
During this season the Russian owns a compiled 14-4 match record. The Russian clinched 1 title in Hong Kong.
Rublev is scheduled to compete next in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open). He will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 4th of March.
Alexander Bublik and Andrey Rublev played each other 7 times. Their current record is 4-3 for Rublev. Before, the last time they competed against each other, Alexander Bublik won 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-5 def. in the semifinal in Dubai (Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships) on the 1st of March 2024.
In the following video you can watch the highlights.
