Alexander Bublik Mocks Hubert Hurkacz’s Robotic Style Of Play, Draws Novak Djokovic Comparisons
If you enjoy your tennis predictable, engaging, and strictly by the book, you probably aren’t watching Alexander Bublik.
The tennis world is currently being treated to a perfect split-screen experience of what it means to be a top-tier athlete. On one side, you have the disciplined, metronomic dominance of Elena Rybakina in Doha. On the other, you have the absolute wildcard energy of Bublik in Rotterdam. Both are winning, both are representing Kazakhstan, and yet they couldn’t be doing it in more distinct ways.
As the 2026 season starts to find its groove, these two stars are making it clear that they intend to be the protagonists of the tour this year. Here is a look at how they got the job done this week and why it matters for the rest of the season.
Alexander Bublik Brings the Fireworks To Rotterdam
Bublik has always been must-see TV, but usually for the wrong reasons. He’s the guy who will hit an underarm serve on a break point or smash three racquets in a row. But something feels different in Rotterdam this week.
In his victory against Hubert Hurkacz at the ABN AMRO Open, Bublik didn’t just bring the flair; he brought a game plan. Hurkacz is one of the toughest serves to break on tour, a guy who likes rhythm and predictable patterns. Bublik refused to give him any of that.
What we saw was a player who is finally learning to harness his reputation. Analysts have started whispering comparisons to Novak Djokovic—not in terms of trophy cabinets just yet, but in the ability to thrive when the court becomes a mess. When the rally breaks down, when the net cord interferes, when the crowd gets rowdy, Bublik doesn’t fold anymore. He seems to feed off it.
His mix of drop shots, heavy forehands, and sudden injections of pace left Hurkacz looking visibly frustrated. It was a performance that married his trademark improvisation with a newfound discipline. He wasn’t just hitting hopeful shots; he was constructing points that ended with flair.
Rybakina Proves Why She Is a Grand Slam Champion
While Bublik was keeping fans on the edge of their seats in the Netherlands, Rybakina was busy proving why she’s the World No. 3 over in Qatar. Her match against rising Chinese star Qinwen Zheng wasn’t a walk in the park. In fact, for the first hour, it looked like an upset was brewing. Zheng came out swinging, taking the first set 6-4 and putting the reigning Australian Open champion on the back foot.
But this is where the “Ice Queen” moniker actually pays dividends. Lesser players might have panicked. Rybakina simply reset. She adjusted her return position, started finding her spots on the first serve, and slowly suffocated Zheng’s momentum. Winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 wasn’t about playing perfect tennis; it was about championship mentality. It was a reminder that you don’t always have to blast your opponent off the court.
A Golden Era For Kazakhstani Tennis?
It is impossible to ignore the national narrative forming here. Kazakhstan has poured massive resources into its tennis infrastructure over the last decade, and we are finally seeing the return on the global stage.
Having a top male and female player peaking simultaneously is a luxury few countries have. Rybakina provides steady, reliable excellence. Bublik provides the highlight reels and the unpredictability that draws in the casual fans.
The buzz on social media back home is palpable. Every win in Rotterdam and Doha is being celebrated not just as an individual achievement, but as proof that the country has become a legitimate tennis powerhouse.
FAQ Section
Q: What happened in Rotterdam?
A: Alexander Bublik defeated Hubert Hurkacz to advance in the ABN AMRO Open.
Q: Who is involved in Doha?
A: Elena Rybakina overcame Qinwen Zheng and will face Victoria Mboko in the quarterfinals.
Q: Why is this news important?
A: Both players represent Kazakhstan, highlighting the country’s growing influence in global tennis.
Q: What are the next steps?
A: Bublik continues his Rotterdam run, while Rybakina prepares for her quarterfinal in Doha.
What Lies Ahead
So, where do they go from here? For Bublik, the road gets trickier. The draw in Rotterdam is stacked. He’s looking at potential clashes with heavy hitters like Karen Khachanov or Felix Auger-Aliassime. These are guys who hit a heavy ball and won’t be as easily rattled by Bublik’s bag of tricks. If he wants to lift the trophy, he’s going to have to maintain that delicate balance between genius and madness for a few more days.
Rybakina has a different challenge in the Doha quarterfinals. She faces Victoria Mboko, a matchup that pits the established guard against the next generation. Mboko has nothing to lose, which makes her dangerous. But given the resilience Rybakina showed against Zheng, it would be a brave bettor who goes against her reaching the semifinals.
One thing is for sure: whether you prefer the methodical precision of Rybakina or the rollercoaster ride of Bublik, it’s a good week to be a tennis fan.
