"Don't know why it's been like this" - Alexander Bublik discloses player he "dislikes playing"; opens up on Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev rivalry

Alexander Bublik this week revealed the name of the player he "really dislikes" playing against. He also talked about his rivalry with Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev.

Bublik finished his 2024 season by competing at the Paris Masters, reaching the second round before losing to Holger Rune. Since then, the Kazakh has been enjoying his time during the off-season. Bublik appeared this week on the "Nothing Major Podcast," hosted by former American tennis players, John Isner, Sam Querrey, and Steve Johnson.

Isner asked the 27-year-old to name his toughest opponent and the player he dislikes playing against.

In response, Bublik said he struggles against Daniil Medvedev, saying

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“I think [Daniil] Medvedev owns me big time. Like big time. I’m not sure if I will ever beat him but I mean I don’t know why it’s been like this since the juniors. I think I’ve never won a match against him.”

On the other hand, Alexander Bublik mentioned that he "owns" Alexander Zverev on the tour. He said he typically performs well against the German and he has a "great feeling towards him." He said,

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"I think Sascha [Alexander Zverev] is my guy. I’m leading 4-1, I think. The most enjoyable guy I ever played with in my life. I love playing Sascha. I don’t know why I have such a great feeling towards him and every time I play and I play well, even he’s laughing all the time when, you know, I’m showing up late or doing some things, he's like, ‘Okay, but still you’re going to beat me.’ I guess we have this mutual joke that is coming out. But Medvedev owns me for sure. Big time.”

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Alexander Bublik's head-to-head record against Daniil Medvedev & Alexander Zverev

Alexander Bublik at the 2024 Chengdu Open [Image Source: Getty Images]

Alexander Bublik has faced Daniil Medvedev six times on the ATP Tour and has not emerged victorious in any of those matches. Their most recent clash took place in the fourth round of the 2024 Madrid Open, which the Russian won 7-6(3), 6-4.

On the other hand, Bublik has faced Alexander Zverev four times on the ATP Tour, winning three out of those four matches.

Their last encounter was in the semifinals of the 2023 Halle Open, where Alexander Bublik triumphed 6-3, 7-5. He went on to defeat Andrey Rublev 6–3, 3–6, 6–3 in the final to claim the title.

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