The history maker: Alexander Bublik completes the Grand Slam set with a Melbourne masterclass
The No 10 seed Alexander Bublik reached his first Australian Open round of 16 on Friday by defeating Tomas Martin Etcheverry 7-6(4), 7-6(5), 6-4 to become the first Kazakh man to achieve a full set of Grand Slam second-week appearances.
Alexander Bublik, Rolex Paris Masters 2025 | © F. Pestellini / PsNewz
Alexander Bublik has officially transcended his reputation as a mercurial talent to become one of the most clinical forces in men’s tennis. On a high-stakes Friday at Melbourne Park, the world No 10 delivered a performance of terrifying efficiency, dismantling the No 62 ranked Tomas Martin Etcheverry in straight sets.
The victory does more than just propel the 28-year-old into the second week; it marks a historic milestone for his nation. With this result, Bublik becomes the first man representing Kazakhstan to reach the round of 16 at all four Grand Slam singles events, a testament to his evolution into an absolute beast on every surface.
The Kazakh history maker enters the second week
The match against Etcheverry was a masterclass in pressure management. Despite the Argentinian’s grit—coming off a grueling five-set win over Miomir Kecmanovic earlier in the week—Bublik refused to blink in the critical moments. The first two sets were decided by tiebreaks where the Kazakh’s improved focus was the deciding factor.
While the 26-year-old Etcheverry pushed the boundaries of baseline defense, Bublik’s serve remained an impenetrable fortress. Having won his previous matches against Marton Fucsovics and Jenson Brooksby without dropping a set, Bublik’s confidence was palpable. He is currently on a trajectory of cruise control, having dropped zero sets this week and only one set in his last 18 played across the 2026 season.
Bublik’s record in 2026 is now a staggering 7-0. This level of consistency is a far cry from the unpredictable player of years past. He has successfully traded chaos for calculated aggression, ensuring that his immense potential is finally reflected in the ATP rankings. The No 10 seed has moved through the draw with the air of a man who expects to win, utilizing his variety not just for entertainment, but as a tactical tool to shorten points and preserve energy for the marathons of the second week.
Maturity and the home motivation
The shift in Bublik’s career can be traced back to a psychological turning point. For years, the tennis world wondered if his unorthodox attitude would prevent him from reaching the top tier. However, the 2026 season has revealed a more settled, professional version of the Kazakh star.
When asked about the difference between his current ranking and his past potential, Bublik offered a candid assessment of his new-found perspective. “I matured a bit. I really like being home to be honest. I realized quickly when I dropped in the rankings that if I play well and I make a lot of points in a few events, I can have more weeks off,” Bublik stated following his victory.
This pragmatic approach to the tour has evidently removed the burnout that previously plagued his results. By viewing success as a vehicle for personal freedom and family time, Bublik has found a sustainable motivation that is proving lethal for his opponents. His next hurdle, however, is his biggest yet. In the round of 16, he will face the home favorite and No 6 seed Alex De Minaur.
