Hong Kong Tennis Open: Bublik ‘overwhelmed’ after claiming title, making world’s top 10
Alexander Bublik wins fifth ATP Tour title in seven months. Coleman Wong draws Frenchman Ugo Blanchet in Australian Open qualifying
An “overwhelmed” Alexander Bublik celebrated an impressive fifth tournament triumph inside seven months, beating Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets on Sunday to win the Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open.
The Kazakh, who climbed into the world’s top 10 for the first time following his dream Hong Kong debut, won 7-6, 6-3 in one hour and 38 minutes at Victoria Park Tennis Stadium.
Musetti gained a measure of consolation when he returned to partner Lorenzo Sonego to doubles final success following a champions tiebreak victory over Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov. They won 6-4, 2-6, 10-1.
Bublik, who arrived in the city only 48 hours before his first match, has more than doubled his career-title haul to nine since June last year.
“I am a bit overwhelmed, after every win I say, ‘If that’s my last title I have to be really happy.’ Everyone on tour is playing well, so it’s a gift,” Bublik said.
With a top 10 spot up for grabs, Bublik acknowledged he felt pressure for the first time all week against Musetti, who leapt two places to world No 5 following his Hong Kong exploits.