"I don't like clay, but I will play in Madrid, Rome and at the French Open, I have to earn money" - Alexander Bublik
Alexander Bublik has had a mixed season thus far. The Kazakh enjoyed some success during the hardcourt swing, but is expected to struggle now that the tour has shifted to clay.
Bublik, who won the Open Sud de France earlier this year, has often expressed his dislike for the clay season and emphasized the same during an interview with Eurosport.de.
The 24-year-old, who was born in Russia, declared that despite his dislike for the red dirt, he will play upcoming tournaments in Madrid, Rome, and Roland-Garros in order to earn money.
Yes, I don't like clay courts. I don't like anything about it. But I will play in Madrid, Rome and at the French Open," he said.
Bublik had no apprehension in driving home the point that as a professional he was playing to earn money and had to play in Madrid as it was a mandatory tournament on the ATP calendar.
"I have to earn money. I play for that. In addition, events like Madrid are mandatory, you have to play. I'm a professional and I have no choice."
This is not the first time the Kazakh has expressed his aversion to clay. Following his win against Stan Wawrinka at the Monte-Carlo Masters, Bublik went on a similar tirade about the surface.
"I hate clay-courts. I hate this surface. I hope this part of the season passes quickly and then we play on grass. This is the only thing I can say," he ranted.
What does Alexander Bublik make of Wimbledon's ban on Russian players?
As a Russian who now plays for Kazakhstan, Bublik was candid about what he thought of Wimbledon's decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing this year.
"I don't want to judge whether it's right or wrong, but I'll be happy to tell you what I think about it. It is a decision of the government and the organizers. You have the right to do so."
While affirming that the organizers were well within their rights to do what they did, the Kazakh went on to add that he was not in favour of mixing sport with politics.
"For me, sport is also a distraction from normal life, if you will – and no sport should be mixed up too much with politics. It's all about getting comfortable with a beer in front of the TV and following your favorite player or team. It's a shame for the fans that this is only possible to a limited extent."
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