Alexander Bublik is known for his unconventional approach to tennis.
Just as he was gaining momentum, winning consecutive titles in Gstaad and Kitzbuhel, he took a break from the sport, skipping the Masters 1000 tournaments in Canada and Cincinnati.
The No. 23 seed at the US Open resumed his winning ways upon his return to competition in Flushing Meadows on Tuesday, easily defeating former champion Marin Cilic. However, he confessed that his preparation wasn’t ideal, having taken a three-week vacation before the season’s final Grand Slam.
Bublik has been one of the most consistent performers in recent months. He made a surprising run to the French Open quarterfinals while ranked only No. 62 globally, defeating Alex de Minaur and Jack Draper along the way.
The Kazakh continued his impressive form by stunning Jannik Sinner en route to winning the Halle Open trophy. Despite an early exit at Wimbledon, he bounced back to win two straight titles on clay, a surface he doesn’t particularly favor.
Bublik had been out of sight since his victory in Kitzbuhel at the end of July. He didn’t participate in any pre-US Open hard-court tournaments and drew a tough opponent in New York, facing former world No. 3 Cilic.
But he was back in top shape on Tuesday, dispatching the 2014 champion 6-4, 6-1, 6-4 on the Grandstand court. It appeared that even Bublik was surprised by how quickly he adapted to the conditions in Flushing Meadows after his extended vacation.
“My preparation was not really convincing, I was on vacation for three weeks and I was not sure how I would feel on court,” Bublik said in his on-court interview.
“But I came here, I stepped on the court, I felt like today is probably going to be a good day, so I mean, I used my chances, I served well, I played really well for my standard, so yeah, I’m really happy.”
The world No. 24 is currently riding a nine-match winning streak. However, when informed he was displaying excellent form, he simply responded: “Yeah, I guess. What do you want me to say?
“Yes, I was playing quite well in the past months, but in tennis things quickly change, and I just try to put my feet on the ground, work hard, and see how it goes.”
Bublik also discussed his unconventional tennis philosophy. Earlier this year, a boozy Las Vegas getaway helped reignite his love for the game, and he remains committed to maintaining his unique approach.
“I always wanted to play long, to have a long career. If I just play every week, work hard every week, I probably would be burned out by 29, so I don’t think you guys want me to leave, so let me be in peace and see how it goes!” he smiled.
Bublik will next take on either Lorenzo Sonego or Tristan Schoolkate as he aims to extend his winning run.