Watch: Alexander Bublik destroys 3 rackets in quick succession in a dramatic meltdown when facing match point at Open Sud de France
Alexander Bublik did not shy away from expressing his frustration at how his match against Gregoire Barrere was progressing in his opening match at the Open Sud de France. The Kazhakh destroyed three rackets in a row during the tiebreak in the third set.
Bublik hasn't had the most successful start to his year so far. He started the year by competing in the United Cup where he lost both his matches to Stan Wawrinka and Hubert Hurkacz respectively. He played in the the ASB Classic next, where he lost his opening match to David Goffin in straight sets.
His clash against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina at the Australian Open saw him ousted from the tournament in the first round itself. The match, which lasted all 5 sets, saw 15 double faults from Bublik. The World No. 50 also lost both his matches at the Davis Cup Qualifiers.
At the Open Sud de France, Bublik faced Gregoire Barrere in the first round. The 25-year-old won the Open Sud de France in 2022 and was looking to defend his title. After Barrere took the first set 6-4, Bublik fought back in the second set, saving three match points on his way and forcing a deciding set. The third set went into a tiebreak as well. The Kazakh was trailing 0-6 in the tiebreak when he had his meltdown.
The clip shows Alexander Bublik smashing the racket he was using after giving away six match points to his opponent. He struck his racket heavily onto the court five times, leaving it completely mangled when he was done.
His anger had clearly not abated as he walked over to his bench and smashed two more rackets before retaking his position on court. Bublik's behavior was met with loud jeers and boos from the spectators. The sentiment was echoed by the commentators as well.
"Well, this is getting out of hand now," a commentator can be heard saying.
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"That gives us a little indication of where his mindset is at right now," another commentator said.
Alexander Bublik eventually lost the match 6-4, 6-7(12), 7-6(3).
Alexander Bublik will compete at the Rotterdam Open next
Alexander Bublik has now lost nine matches in a row going back to last year. One of the more glaring issues the 25-year-old is facing is the inconsistency of his serve. While he served 19 aces in his match against Barrere, he also double faulted 14 times over three sets.
Bublik will be hoping to make a strong comeback at the Rotterdam Open scheduled to begin on February 11. Having slipped four places in the ATP rankings, the World No. 50 will look to regain some confidence and register his first win of the year.