“We were playing FIFA until 3am last night”: Relaxed Bublik books place in European Open final

Alexander Bublik defeated Maximilian Marterer 6-4, 6-4 on Saturday. He’ll face the winner of the match between Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, the top seed, and Frenchman Arthur Fils, the No 4 seed, for the title

Bren Gray

October 21, 2023

European Open •Semi-final • completed

See draw

A. BublikvsM. Marterer

A casual Alexander Bublik has cruised his second ATP Tour final of the year, advancing to the final of the European Open by defeating German qualifier Maximilian Marterer 6-4, 6-4 at the Lotto Arena in Antwerp on Saturday.

Behind his usual big serving (12 aces and 92 percent of first serve points won), Bublik was brilliant with his drop shots and lobs as well, using these to great effect on crucial points. Saving five of five break points, the Kazakh broke his opponent’s serve twice, all that was needed in the one hour, 24 minute straight sets victory.

Bublik, ranked No 36, will play the winner of the match between Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas, the top seed, and Frenchman Arthur Fils, the No 4 seed, next.

9th ATP final incoming 👏

Alexander Bublik fends off a spirited Marterer to book his place in the @eurotennisopen final in Antwerp! pic.twitter.com/Izd5DVW963
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) October 21, 2023

Bublik taking relaxed approach to European Open

Tennis fans will know that Bublik is one of the more lively characters on the ATP Tour, and at times can struggle with his consistency. This week at the European Open, it seems the world No 36 is taking a more relaxed approach to his tennis.

“We were playing FIFA until 3am last night,” Bublik confessed during his on-court interview after defeating Marterer in the European Open semi-finals.

The 26-year-old went on to explain that all he’s seen of Antwerp this week has been his hotel room and the tennis courts, given his coaches infatuation with playing FIFA at the moment. However, he was still pleased to have made it through to tomorrow’s final, despite this potentially eating into his gaming time:

“Obviously when you’re in the finals you’re always happy. Of course I’m happy. [My game plan] worked out in crucial moments, so I’m happy with the win.”

The Kazakh won against Frenchman Gregoire Barrere (6-4, 6-2) and French qualifier Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard (6-4, 4-6, 6-2) ahead of his victory.

Earlier in the tournament, Marterer, ranked No 127, beat Frenchman Richard Gasquet, the No 7 seed (6-3, 6-4), Portuguese Nuno Borges (6-3, 7-6 (3)) and Frenchman Hugo Gaston (6-3, 6-2).