Contesting his fifth ATP final, Alexander Bublik outplays Zverev to secure first ATP title in Montpellier

Alexander Bublik pulled off both milestones Sunday thanks to his 6-4, 6-3 win over world No. 3 Alexander Zverev at the Open Sud de France in Montpellier, ending a 0-4 mark in title matches.

“To everybody who’s been with me, thank you very much for the support,” the Kazakhstani said during the trophy presentation.

While his performance against the top seed was impressive, it was hardly a surprise in terms of matching up. Last year, Bublik ousted a then seventh-ranked Zverev in straight sets to seal their opener in Rotterdam, which was also staged on indoor hard. In both instances, Bublik managed to out-return the German by converting four breaks of serve.

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Bublik poses with the Open Sud de France trophy.

This week capped a strong turnaround for Bublik, who lost his season opener to Aleksandar Vukic—then ranked outside the Top 150—and posted just five games against Gael Monfils in the second round of the Australian Open. The 24-year-old took out three higher-ranked opponents in his title run: No. 2 seed Roberto Bautista Agut in the quarterfinals, No. 5 seed Filip Krajinovic in the semifinals and Zverev.

Bublik is projected to rise to a career-high ranking come Monday, just outside the Top 30. His previous best was No. 34, achieved last September. Bublik will make the quick turnaround to Rotterdam, where he is slated to meet wild card Andy Murray in the first round.

As for Zverev, he was bidding to lift his 20th ATP crown. His next scheduled appearance is the 500-level tournament in Acapulco which begins February 21.

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