Alexander Bublik gets ‘Grand Slam feeling’ after snapping 10-match losing streak

WATCH: Bublik will next face either Grégoire Barrère or No.8 seed Marc-Andrea Hüsler.

It’s been a while since Alexander Bublik treated tennis fans to an on-court interview, but the entertaining Kazakh tried making up for lost time after scoring his first victory of 2023 at the Open 13 Provence in Marseille.

“It’s my first win, and it’s always tough. I wasn’t winning since last October!” he exclaimed after defeating Filip Krajinovic, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4.

Bublik was at a career-high ranking of No. 30 this time last year, having just won his first ATP title in Montpellier over Alexander Zverev.

But the 25-year-old has endured some tough times since reaching the Swiss Indoors Basel last fall, losing 10-straight matches, including a five-set opening-round at the Australian Open and a final-set tiebreaker as defending champion in Montpellier—the frustration leading him to break three racquets as the loss loomed.

“Maybe 10 months ago, I wouldn’t say this, but I think every victory counts,” he said. “When you’re not winning, this is like winning a Slam now!”

Down to No. 50 after his slow start to the season, Bublik has a chance to turn things around at another indoor tournament in Marseille: his next round could be a Montpellier rematch against Grégoire Barrère or an encounter with No.8 seed Marc-Andrea Hüsler.

The day off between now and Wednesday may give him time to bone up on his French.

“Merci beaucoup, messieurs et Mesdames,” Bublike joked to open the interview. “That’s my French, pretty much!”