From “Joke” to Jackpot: Alexander Bublik cracks the ATP Top 10 in Hong Kong
Alexander Bublik has finally traded his “go with the flow” mentality for a historic debut in the ATP Top 10, turning a long-running team joke into a career-defining reality in Hong Kong.
Alexander Bublik, Hong Kong 2026 | © Bank of China Hong Kong Tennis Open
Alexander Bublik has long been the ATP Tour’s most lovable contrarian. Known for his underarm serves, “no-look” volleys, and a self-proclaimed disdain for the “grind,” the Kazakhstani star officially shed his status as a mere entertainer this week. By capturing the 2026 Hong Kong Tennis Open title, Bublik has secured his debut in the world’s Top 10, marking a historic milestone for his career and his country.
“My team and I used to joke about being in the Top 10 throughout my seven years in the top 50,” Bublik admitted after his 7-6(2), 6-3 victory over Lorenzo Musetti. “We never actually thought of how to do it. We’ve always been going with the flow, going more with the enjoyment side instead of hard work and dedication.”
The Strategic Shift: From “Enjoyment” to Results
For years, Bublik’s ranking hovered between No. 30 and No. 50 – a comfortable middle ground where his natural talent allowed him to thrive without the grueling dedication required for the elite tier. However, a slump in 2025 that saw him drop to No. 82 served as a wake-up call.
The turning point came when Bublik realized the harsh reality of a lower ranking: less prestige, more matches, and significantly less relaxation. “I realized that I don’t like to be there as it’s more demanding,” he shared. “So then the shift came, and here we are. I achieved the joke we had.”
A Historic Week in the ATP Rankings
Bublik’s ascent is the headline of a volatile week in the ATP standings. As the 2026 season officially kicks off, the rankings have seen a major reshuffle following the first week of competition. Lorenzo Musetti, despite his loss in the Hong Kong final, has surged into the Top 5 for the first time, leapfrogging Alex de Minaur and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
Winning a title at the ATP level is never a guarantee, a fact Bublik remains deeply aware of. “I’m overwhelmed a bit. You never know how many titles you’re going to win… when you win on the ATP Tour, where everyone’s playing well, it’s always a gift,” he noted.
“We need to see what the next goal is”
With nine career titles now to his name – five of which have come in a prolific eight-month streak starting in mid-2025 – Bublik faces an unusual dilemma. He entered January with a singular season-long goal: the Top 10. Having achieved it in the very first week of 2026, the man who once avoided “hard work” must now find a new reason to push.
“Now we need to reset, as I achieved the year’s goal in the first week of the season! We need to see what the next goal is,” Bublik concluded. As the Tour moves toward Melbourne, the tennis world will be watching to see if “Top 10 Bublik” maintains the focus that brought him here, or if the “enjoyment side” will once again take the wheel.
Meanwhile, Bublik’s rise knocks Jack Draper out of the Top 10, while Daniil Medvedev solidifies, winning one rank (12th) his standing with a title in Brisbane. This shift marks the first time in history that two Italian men (Sinner and Musetti) have occupied the Top 5 simultaneously, highlighting a new era of global parity.
