Kazakh tennis star Alexander Bublik solidified his breakout season with a hard-fought victory at the ATP Hangzhou Open, defeating French qualifier Valentin Royer in a gripping final that showcased resilience and tactical brilliance. The world No. 19 secured his fourth tour title this year through two tense tiebreakers (7-4, 7-4), extending his remarkable 2023 campaign.
The match turned dramatic early when Bublik produced a gravity-defying running lob at 3-3 in the first set, electrifying the Hangzhou crowd. Though Royer pushed the opener to a tiebreaker, Bublik's 199 km/h ace sealed the critical advantage. The second set saw the third seed save a break point with a daring net approach before closing the match with a laser-guided forehand on championship point.
This triumph adds to Bublik's previous 2023 wins at Halle, Geneva, and Kitzbühel, making him the tour's second-most decorated player behind Spain's Carlos Alcaraz. The victory underscores Central Asia's growing influence in global tennis while highlighting Hangzhou's emergence as a premier sports destination following its successful Asian Games hosting.
