From ‘disgraceful’ low to ‘best day of life’ – how Vegas trip inspired Bublik

French Open 2025

Location: Roland Garros, May 25 – June

The most troubled situation in Alexander Bublik’s life occurred after his most successful career.

In a 2020 interview, the 27-year-old stated that he hated tennis “with all my heart” and has always had a complicated relationship with it.

His coach suggested a new strategy after losing eight of his first ten matches in 2025 and falling further down the rankings.

It was least bit unconventional. However, it has been a success to make the switch to less exercise and visit Las Vegas.

Bublik will look to make his first Grand Slam semi-final on Wednesday as he looks to extend Jannik Sinner’s incredible, unanticipated run to the French Open.

Just two weeks after he declared his end, he has already upset top-10 players Jack Draper and Alex de Minaur.

“A trip to Vegas was suggested by my coach.” He said, “We’re just going to be out of tennis, [out] of the conversation if you continue to play this,” Bublik said.

“I said, OK, if it goes well, it goes well,” I replied. If not, tennis, I appreciate it.

After falling to the ground in joyous disbelief following his fourth-round victory over Draper, Bublik stood with hands on his hips and covered his face in red clay. Bublik applauded the crowd’s approbation.

He declared to the audience, “Sometimes in life, there’s only one chance,” with tears on their faces. That was the feeling I couldn’t let go of.

It’s the best time of my life to be standing here.

Bublik, who is currently ranked 62nd, will make a comeback to the top 50 after only three months of relegation from the global ranking.

It feels repulsive to me to tell my coach, “I want to quit tennis because I can’t be 80 in the world.” I detested it, Bublik told TNT Sports.

I was unable to cry. I’ll always cry if I have room.

Bublik’s trip to Vegas was never intended to be a training camp, even after making a first-round exit at Indian Wells in March.

In reference to the 2009 comedy film, he claimed it was “like a Hangover thing Vegas.”

Bublik, who has received criticism for his on-court behavior and racquet smashing, claimed that “my fall was not related to my lack of attitude and practising.”

“I just sat there waiting for the results,” I said. I reached the point of thinking, “OK, why are you sacrificing so much?” What is the purpose?

“In Vegas, it was a good three days. I let it out completely.

Five hours prior to his first match, Bublik flew from Vegas to Phoenix, Arizona, for a Challenger event.

He advanced to the final, only Joao Fonseca’s gifted junior reject him. He won the title in Turin two months later.

Bublik, who has a two-year-old son, has always made it abundantly clear that tennis is not everything.

“Tennis is 50% of my life,” I say. Being a father and being a friend are two things that are important to me, he said.

“I won’t compromise my health,” I said. I won’t endure my injuries.

I’m not going to take the Slam if you tell me I’ll win it but I won’t be able to walk by 40.

Since 1999, Bublik has won two victories over top-10 opponents at Roland Garros, making him the lowest-ranked man in that category.

His 41% win rate before this French Open was his lowest across all surfaces, making it the lowest total of his four ATP Tour titles and 11 finals.

Bublik is, however, crucially enjoying his time on the court, which makes him even more dangerous.

You can see me enjoying a good time on the street in Paris in the evening before a game, Bublik continued.

” I’m social. If I don’t feel [it], I can skip the practice. It seems pretty typical, in my opinion.

“This crazyness that social media has caused us to be the best versions of ourselves,” he said.