Bublik joins the Halle elite with second title in three years

Alexander Bublik won his second halle grass title in the past three editions on Sunday to join multiple winners Roger Federer (10 titles), Tommy Haas and Yvegeny Kafelnikov in that elite grouping.

The  unpredictable Kazakh with his mix-n-match arsenal of drop shots and underhand serves, duplicated his 2023 trophy on the northern German grass at a  venue constructed in the style and colouring of a mini-Wimbledon.

Bublik accounted for Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 94), to leave the former world No. 1 without a title since May, 2023, in Rome

The win in 82 minutes was the first for Bublik over Medvedev aftee six defeats in the series.

The season has been turned on its head for Bublik, who dropped down briefly to the Challenger level early in the year and used the experience to regain his Tour0-level form.

He then reached the Madrid fourth round in April and achieved a Roland Garros quarter-final against Jannik Sinner/

“I had such tough months since last Wimbledon to probably this summer,” the winner said. 

“I was close to calling it quits after Wimbledon, because I was not enjoying it anymore. But I promised my coach that I would stay there and keep practising, 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. I don’t know. Quarters at the French. Winner here. I have no words.”

The 27-year-old Bublik knocked out last year’s champion Sinner in the second round 

He won 12 straight points to claim the opening set against  Medvedev, setting the tone for his eventual trophy victory despite five double-faults in the second set as his game dipped temporarily.

Medvedev led 4-1 in the tiebreaker but could not hold off a fightback from the Kazakh.

“That’s the toughest (mental) match I ever played in my life. I’ve never beaten Daniil. 

“Today everything clicked in mentally and physically. That’s one of the wins of my career and I’m really humbled to stay here and enjoy the moment.”

Main photo:- Alexander Bublik and Daniil Medvedev receive their trophies from Boris Becker – by Terra Wortmann Halle Open