The outspoken Russian-born Kazakhstani on how his lowest point has turned into the best 12 months of his career
T
here are few experiences on the professional tennis circuit more uncomfortable than being Alexander Bublik’s opponent. The task of deciphering one of the more talented and unpredictable players is challenging enough, but there is also a risk of being on the receiving end of a few stinging insults.
Over the years, Bublik has become notorious among Russian-speaking fans for his scathing rants about his rivals. There have been times when he has loudly wondered, to nobody in particular, how on earth his opponent could be ranked as highly as they were and others when he has focused on viciously skewering their games. He has also reserved plenty of scorn for himself and the sport as a whole.
Bublik’s foul mouth has become a source of much discussion over his career. Some people believe his candour is refreshing, particularly compared to his more closed-off colleagues, while others find his attitude abhorrent. This subject elicits little more than a shrug from Bublik: “I think emotions are emotions,” Bublik says. “I guess it’s just we live in a world where everyone tries to fake and I think there’s nothing wrong in just releasing your emotions in a way because it’s a stressful sport. We travel a lot, we play a lot, there’s a lot of things on the line so occasionally, if you release it, I guess there’s nothing wrong with that.”
