by: Nima Naderi
Young #NextGen ATP World Tour star Alexander Bublik is ready to make a name for himself on the circuit. After upending World No. 15 Lucas Pouille at the Australian Open in January, winning a Challenger event in Mexico in February, and taking home four Futures titles in 2016, Bublik’s big game and hunger for success have continued to propel him toward a current ranking of No. 141 in the world.
In the interview below, the 19-year-old Gatchina resident discusses his aspirations for the rest of the season and what kind of adjustments he’s made toward the main Tour. Bublik also describes his natural talent in front of the camera, which has seen him interview the likes of Roger Federer.
Despite my loss I had a fun filming with @ATPWorldTour and I found a new doobs partner @rogerfederer ??? #NextGenATP #Federer pic.twitter.com/xbwKwHykUL
— Sasha Bublik (@AlexanderBublik) March 9, 2017
Q) After capturing four Futures titles in 2016 & reaching the quarterfinals of the ATP World Tour event in Moscow, what kind of goals did you set for yourself in 2017?
A) After these victories, especially after the Kremlin Cup we were even more focused on working hard and improving all aspects of my game on a daily basis.
Q) You collected a great first-round victory at the Australian Open this year against Lucas Pouille. What did that do for your confidence knowing that you can defeat a player of that caliber?
A) I have no fear of playing the top players and I will continue to try my best in every match.
Q) Now that you are embarking on your first year on the main Tour, how will you look to design your tournament schedule? Will you play a blend of Tour events and Challengers?
A) I will try to play ATP World Tour events but I will also mix it up with some
Challenger events like we did at the beginning of the season.
Q) You’ve conducted a few interesting video interviews with your fellow pros throughout the last few months on the ATP World Tour. Do you feel as though this helps you achieve balance toward the day-to-day grind?
A) I’m just being myself and just enjoying some funny moments on Tour. I’m
trying to make the Tour a little bit funnier than it was before.
Q) What would you rate as your favourite surface on Tour?
A) I prefer hard and grass-courts for sure.
Q) Who was your tennis idol growing up?
A) I never had tennis idols growing up. Maybe this has helped me to have the kind of game style that no one else is playing.
Q) What do you see as your biggest obstacle as you inch closer to a Top 100 ranking?
A) I’m not really sure to be honest. I think I just need to find a balance in my mind to make the process easier.
Q) Finally, which players do you hang around with most off court when you are at events?
A) I’m cool with many guys on the Tour. It’s really tough to pick a few.
