Alexander Bublik and Andrey Rublev are good friends and the Kazakhstani player did not really like that the Russian defaulted during their semifinal in Dubai. At the Dubai press conference, Alexander Bublik expressed disappointment over Andrey Rublev’s default during their match due to an unintended verbal slip.
Bublik believed Rublev didn’t mean to offend and wished him a quick recovery. He also shared his preference for electronic referees, discussed the challenges of coming back from a set down, and reflected on his milestones in the ATP rankings. Regarding Rublev’s disqualification, Bublik believed players should focus on accountability for outbursts rather than solely on umpires.
He joked about his calm demeanor during a heated moment and prepared for upcoming matches, expressing respect for opponents. Bublik acknowledged the importance of line judges and emphasized the role of players in the sport, suggesting more accountability for players’ outbursts could be beneficial. He concluded by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak.
Bublik in Dubai, ranking, and results in 2024
Ranked no.23, the Kazakhstani owns a composed 13-4 match record in 2024. Bublik is currently having a run in Dubai where he ousted 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 face the world no.18 Ugo Humbert in the final. In the past, they have never competed against each other so far in top events.
Alexander conquered 1 title in 2024 in Montpellier.
The Kazakhstani won 4 titles in his career: 3 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Bublik is scheduled to 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
Currently ranked no.5 (career-high), the Russian played his last match on the 1st of March when he capitulated to world no.23 Alexander Bublik 6-7(4) 7-6(5) 6-5 def. in the semifinal in Dubai (draw).
Until now, during this year Rublev has achieved a 14-4 match record. Andrey conquered 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 actual record is 4-3 for Rublev. The last time they locked horns, 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.
